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THE HISTOKY OF THE 50TH
(Or THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

wmfi

abouH740.
From Sketch in Vkir Office Book.

FRONTISPIECE.

THE HISTORY OF THE 50th
Or (THE QUEEN'S OWN) KEOLMENT

From the earliest date to the Year 1881

COLONEL FYLER

LATE COMMANDINO THE RBCIUENT

WITH COIOURED IlIUSTEATIONS, MAPS, AND PLANS,

ANI>

AN IILUSTRATION OF THE OFPICEES' BREAST-PLATE, BEARING
THE WORDS "QUO FATA VOCANT."

^LONDON: CHAPMAN AND HALL, L"
1895
\A.ll rights reserved']

:£BRAB^

MrBSTUiKtmtR :

IMIINTKD BY NICHOLS AMD SONSt,
25, PARLIAMRNT HTRRIT.

THE QUEEN'S
MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.

Madam^

I feel that, while it would be impossible to add to
the loyal devotion of " The Queen's Own " Regiment
for your Most Gracious Majesty, the last mark of
your Royal favour in accepting the Dedication of this
Work, cannot fail to add to the esprit de corpsy for
which that Regiment has ever been distinguished.

To adopt the words addressed to Sir Charles Napier
in 1852 : It will *^ teach the young 50th, what he taught
the old oOth ; to fight to the death, for their beloved
Queen, their country, and her people."

I have the honour to be

Your Majesty's
Most faithful subject and dutiful servant,

ARTHUR EVELYN FYLER,

Colonel, Retired Full Pay,
Late Commanding bOth (The Queen's Own)
Boyal West Kent Regiment.

March, 1895.

PREFACE.

In compiling this work, I have availed myself of
original despatches, and other documents at the
Record Ofl&ce, of the Orderly Room Records of the
regiment, and of some valuable papers at the War
Office, which I have kindly been permitted to make
extracts from, and of some interesting sketches of
uniforms which I have been allowed to reproduce. I
am also much indebted to Mr. Milne, of Oalverley,
for much valuable information about old uniforms and
colours.

In addition I am indebted to the following publica-
tions, from many of which I have made extracts :

For the siege of Ontario, I have obtained most of
my information from a pamphlet on the conduct of
Major-General Shirley, by William Alexander, pub-
lished in 1758, and I have also made extracts from
" Montcalm and Wolfe."

For the Seven Years' War, I am principally indebted
to the account of the progress of the war given

viii PREFACE.

in the London Journals of the time, also to
" Operations of the Allied Army/' &o., &c., to the
"History of the Grenadier Guards," by General
Hamilton, and to Entick's and Lord Mahon's his-
tories.

I have largely availed myself of *^ Wilson's Expe-
dition," published in 1803, for the campaign in Egypt
of 1801.

Sir William Napier's "The War in the Peninsula"
has been my standard authority for that war, and I
have taken the maps from his work ; I have also been
assisted by " The Adventures of Captain Patterson's
50th Regiment from 1807 to 1821," published in
1837, and by interesting papers at the War Office.

The campaigns in India have principally been com-
piled from original despatches, but I have derived
great assistance from the daily journal kept by Lieu-
tenant (now Colonel) Bellars, who was acting adjutant
of the regiment during the greater part of the Sutlej
campaign.

I have made extracts from Kinglake's " Invasion
of the Crimea," especially with reference to the
attack of a company of the 60th on the enemy's
artillery train retreating after Inkermann. A certain

PREFACE. ix

amount of this campaign has been written from per-
sonal knowledge, assisted by Major-General Lock, and
I am indebted to Colonel M. A. Clarke for his expe-
rience as a prisoner of war in Russia, which will be
found in a paper in the Appendix.

I have studied the "War in New Zealand," by Fox,
and this campaign has been corrected by Major
Barker, who was adjutant through the war.

In the Appendix will be found short sketches of
the life of Sir Charles Napier, for much of which I
am indebted to his life by Sir W. Butler, and also of
Sir Hudson Lowe, principally taken from " Napoleon
at St. Helena," by W. Forsyth, M.A.

I have adopted the following abbreviations : —
O.R.R. for Orderly Room Records,
W.O.P. for War Office Paper, and
Kinglake for " Invasion of the Crimea," by
Kinglake.

ERRATA.

The date at the top of pages 111 to 122
inclusive, and on the plan of Corunna, should be
1809 m^feado/ 1808,

Page 123, Ensign Stewart should be among the
list of killed.

Page 162, line 13, " See map, page 159 " should
be " See map, page 163/'

Page 178, lines 18 and 19, " See map, page 173 "
should be " See upper map, page 171."

CONTENTS.

Introduction

PAGC

ziii

CHAP.

I. Formation of 60th or 7th Marines, 1741 — Forma-
tion OP Shirley's 50th and Capture op Oswego,
1756 — The 52nd Regiment becomes the 50th —
Uniforms op the Regiment from earliest date

II. Seven Years' War, 1760 .

III. Corsica

IV. Egypt, 1801 — Copenhagen .
V. Vimiero — CoRUNNA — ^Walcheren

VI. Peninsula .

VII. Jamaica — Regimental Titles

VIII. Campaigns in India .

IX. Crimea

X. The New Zealand War — Regimental Colours

Appendices—

Short Sketch op the Life of Sir C. Napier, G.C.B.

Short Sketch op Sir Hudson Lowe

Prince Waldemar's Cup .

Prisoners of War in Russia

Conduct op Major-General Shirley

Articles op Capitulation op Cairo

Opficul Letters .

List of Colonels, Lieut.-Colonels, &c.

List op Stations .

Despatch op Libut.-General Sir C. Stuart

127

192

200

247

269

297
314
318
325
333
338
343
351
359
376

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND PLANS.

PAGE

V Uniform op 50th Foot about 174?0 . Frontispiece

^Uniform of 50th or 7th Marines .... 1
/Plan of Forts on Lake Ontario .... 7

»rBREAST-PLATES . . 14, 16

^General Map op Hesse-Cassel .19

''Battle of Velinghausen .35

< General Map OF Cassel: Battle of Wilhelmsthal . 42

^General Map op North Corsica .52

Plans of Calvi . . 56, 57

vPlan op Alexandria Operations .71

General Map op the Nile . .77

Affair at Rahmanieh . .80

*^PlAN of VlMIERO ...... 101

i^Plan of Corunna . . ..115

* General Map of Seat of War .... 127
•Lines of Torres Vedras, Vicinity .... 129
•Battle op Fuentes d'Honoro ..... 131
''Arrota del Molinos and Badahos and Vicinity . 133
*Map of Almarar and Vicinity .... 139
vRetrbat prom Madrid and Burgos .... 145
^Battle op Vittoria and previous Operations . . 153
^Passes of Maya, Lessessa, and Aratesque ; and Combat of

roncesvalles
''Operations before Pampeluna
"Battle op the Nivelle
•Operations round Bayonnb-
^Battle op St. Pierre .
'Battle op Orthes and Retreat of Aire
''Operations near Tarbes and Fortifications of Toulouse
•General Map of Punjaub
Plan op Perozeshah

* Plan op Aliwal .
•Plan of Sobraon

♦Monument in Canterbury Cathedral
vBattlb op Alma

* Northern Map op New Zealand War
Plan op Ranoiawhia . • .
Southern Map op New Zealand War
Coloured Plate Regimental Colour of 1804

Ditto Ditto 1827

V Prince Waldemar's Cup (Appendix) .

159
163
169
171
173
181
187
210
216
225
231
238
254
271
275
279

319

INTRODUCTION.

From my first connection with the 50th Regiment,
now more than forty years ago, I have heard re-
peated regrets that there were no historical records
beyond that of the orderly room, which were very
incomplete and not always available. On my re-
tirement I determined to make an effort to remedy
that deficiency, thinking that, as the last command-
ing officer of the old historic 50th, before it merged
into the Royal West 'Kent, there was peculiar fitness
in my becoming its historian, and I trust that the
interest of the subject may atone for any defects.

I have heard many conversations among the officers
about the glories of the past. There was a hazy idea
of the regiment having been Marines, of a gallant
charge at Vimiero, and a splendid service in India,
where they earned the honourable soubriquet of
^^ The Fighting Fiftieth"; but there was a vague-
ness and uncertainty about everything, only the best
known facts standing prominently forward, like the
brighter stars faintly visible in a misty sky, while

xiv INTRODUCTION.

many others scarcely less beautiful were completely
obscured.

I had hardly calculated on the difficulties I had to
encounter. Disraeli, in one of his works, makes a
fearful monster the guardian of the threshold of the
supernatural, but this "Dweller on the Threshold"
had only to be resolutely faced to be made to dis-
appear ; so with the difficulties that beset a beginner,
in searching among tlie rich mines of old historical
literature in the reading-room of the British Museum,
or of the original despatches and orders in the Record
Office. The difficulties that appear insuiinountable
at first only require to be resolutely faced. The fol-
lowing may illustrate my meaning : at my first visit
to the Record Office, after consulting the index, I
asked for a certain correspondence, and was told that
I could not see the documents between certain dates,
without official permission from the department they
belonged to. I at once applied unofficially to the War
Office, and received a reply that they did not think
permission was required, but would inquire. A week
later I received a letter enclosing a message from the
head of the Record Office, saying it was correct that
these papers could not be shown without authority,
but if I applied to him, he would give me permission
to see them. Armed with this letter I again went to
the Record Office, only to find that the writer of the
letter was dead. However, this circumstance led to
my introduction to the head of the Government search

INTRODUCTION. xv

department, Mr. Charles Hall, to whom I have ever
since been deeply indebted. From that time my
difficulties were at an end.

Again, with reference to the British Museum,
that gigantic collection of works, whose catalogues
alone form an ordinary library, the perfect order
in which everything is kept, and the great civility
of the officials, reduces the labour of search to a
minimum.

The plan I have adopted is to make each cam-
paign in which the regiment was engaged a connected
story of that campaign^ that may, I hope, prove of
more than regimental interest, and, while giving
especial attention to every incident connected with
the 60th, not to omit such mention of other regiments
as may be necessary to complete the narrative.

I have endeavoured to trace the story of the 50th
Regiment from its earliest date, until it ceased to bear
that number in 1881 ; and, though it is impossible
always to avoid dry details, I have, I hope, succeeded
in covering the dry bones of history with interesting
details of the gallant deeds in which the history of
the 60th is peculiarly rich, as well as in bringing
together much that is interesting, and some things
that are new.

The following particulars are, I think, both new
and interesting:

The pictures in the frontispiece of the old uniforms
of the 60th Foot, and of the 50th or 7th Marines,

xvi INTRODUCTION.

page 1, temp. 1742, from an unpublished MS. book
at the War Office.

The history of the siege of Ontario, by William
Alexander, 1758, at which Shirley's 50th and Pep-
perell's Slst were taken prisoners, and both regiments
afterwards disbanded.

An interesting account of the gallantry with which
tlie 50th repeatedly charged and kept at bay a whole
division of the French at the Pass of Lessessa, from
a paper at the War Office which has never before
been made public.

A portion of the 50th Regiment formed part of
the Ist Battalion of the British Grenadiers in the
Seven Years' War, and much interesting information
is given about the Sutlej War, obtained from the
diary and personal recollections of the acting adjutant
of the regiment during the campaign.

The fact that fifteen volunteers from the French
70th Regiment enlisted in the 50th after Vimiero,
and that the band of the 50th wore their long red
plumes, as a trophy for some time afterwards, is
highly interesting. A French colour pole and box
was taken also in that action, and afterwards borne
between the colours (Captain Patterson), but I have
been unable to discover what became of it. It is
curious to note, that the old colours were burnt at the
head of the regiment, with military honours in 1804
and in 1816. (O. R. Records).

I have put a gi'eat deal of matter in the Appendix,

^Jljlj* *

?»

INTRODUCTION. xvii

which, though of great interest," is irrelevant to the
narrative, and might tend to make it tedious, espe-
cillay such dry details, as the stations occupied by the
regiment at various times in Great Britain ; the list
of colonels and lieutenant- colonels (in which it may
be noticed that Sir James Duffe commanded the
regiment for over forty years, from 3rd August, 1798,
to 23rd December, 1839) ; important official letters,
&c. ; also notices about Sir Charles Napier, Sir Hudson
Lowe, Prince Waldemar's Cup, &c.

I was for some time under the impression, that the
50th Regiment might have been employed in the un-
fortunate expedition, that occupied Toulon in 1793;*
the land forces being under the command of General
O'Hara, who commanded the garrison of Gibraltar,
at which place the 50th was quartered at the time,
his A.D.C. being Captain Leith, 50th Regiment
(afterwards Lieutenant-General Sir J. Leith, G.C.B.);
and also from the fact of General Dundas (who
commanded in Corsica) being second in command
at Toulon. I thought this might have accounted
for the palpable error in the Orderly Room Records,
as to date of the regiment leaving Gibraltar, but
I find that the 50th is not included in General
Dundas's letter, claiming prize money for the Regi-
ments engaged.

The siege of this place is memorable, as being the

♦ " The Broad Arrow " of November 24th, 1894 (p. 374), says
the 50th Regiment " served at Toulon in 1793."

xviii INTRODUCTION.

means of first bringing Napoleon Buonaparte to the
front, and this was the only time, except at Waterloo,
that he ever met British troops.

It is much to be regretted, that the old books and
documents in possession of the regiment from its
formation, were burnt at Naas Barracks on the 14th
June, 1832, by authority of tlie Secretary of State
for War, as these documents might have thrown some
light on the subject.

Whatever difficulties I have had in compiling this
history, will be more than repaid if it adds to the
esprit de corps of the gallant 60th, by leading the
young soldiers of the future, to study the glorious
deeds of the past.

A. FYLER,

Colonel, Retired Full Pay.
Arlesey Buiy,

Hitchen.

50!? or /If /Marines".

1741.
from Skefch in War Office Book.

TO rACC PAGE I

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STtK"

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HI.:'/'- .' - W . ■ .

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' » .1 ',\ •* '•

THE HISTORY OP THE 50th
(Or THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

CHAPTER I.

The knowledge of the earliest date, on which a
British corps bore the title of the 50th Regiment,
would be most interesting. In early times, how-
ever. Regiments were designated by the names of
their colonels only; and they were so styled even
in official documents, uj) to the year 1753, and
occasionally even later.

The first authentic record I can find is that of
the 50th Foot, or the 7th Marines, which was
raised on April 11th, 1741, under the command of
Major-General Cornwall. Several regiments were
officially the ^^50th" prior to 1741,* though the
numbers were not used.

• In 1741, it is noted that \he Regiments 64 to 59 were
renumbered 43 to 48, and tlie seven new Regiments were num-
bered 49 to 55 ; this shows that a 50th Regiment of Foot must
have existed prior to 1741, and a further closing up must have
taken place later.

2 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1740-42.

In the official Army List of 1740 the foot regi-
ments, with the exception of the regiments of
guards, are not numbered.

It contains 3 regiments of foot guards, 33 regi-
ments of infantry, and 6 regiments of marines;
42 regiments in all.

Seven new regiments of infantry were ordered
to be raised on the lltli April, 1741, the names
of their colonels being given as Fowkes, Long,
Houghton, Price, Mordaunt, Cholmondley, and
De Graingues ; and the same order directs four
regiments of marines to be also raised, whose
colonels were Major-General Cornwall, Colonels
Hansom, Cawtell, and Jeffery. Thus, General
Cornwall's would be the 50th Regiment of Infantry
and the 7th Regiment of Marines.

An interesting plate is shown in the frontis-
piece taken from an unpublished book in the
War Office, illustrating the uniform of that period
(1740).

The uniform of the 50th being given, shows
that that corps existed as a regiment of foot prior
to April, 1741, when tlie 50th became marines,
as there appears to have been no other 50th Regi-
ment of Foot* until Shirley's regiment was raised
in 1754.

After the peace of Aix la Chapelle, October,

* The Royal Artillery was numerically the 50tli Regiment
between these dates, but cannot be regarded as Foot.

1748-54.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 3

1748, ten regiments were ordered to bo disbanded,
and Major-General Cornwall's regiment was in-
cluded in this order, which was dated October 27th,
1748.

There seems, however, to have been some hesita-
tion about disbanding this regiment, for the original
order did not include it, and the order was eventually
given in a separate letter, which implies that it was
under consideration to retain the 50th Regiment
alone as a regiojent of marines. Short as its
existence was, its services cannot have been unim-
portant, for it was employed as a regiment of
marines, during a period of great naval activity,
which included a war with France.

A War Office document of July, 1761, gives an
official list of the regiments then in existence ; all
of which are numbered consecutively down to the
49th, after which comes the Royal Regiment of
Artillery ; and this record ends with the statement :
*^ Forty-nine regiments of the line, and the Royal
Regiment of Artillery; fifty regiments in all." At
this period, therefore, the Royal Regiment of
Artillery was the 50th Regiment. An order was
signed by Mr. Fox on the 4th November, 1754 (see
Appendix), and given to *^ Lieutenant-Colonel Elli-
son, of Her Majesty's 50th Regiment," ordering him
to proceed to Virginia in a ship of war with his
adjutant, and on arriving there to take the speediest
method of going to Boston, in order to levy the

4 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1755,

regiment, of which William Shirley, Governor of
New England, is appointed colonel.*

This regiment, though raised in America, and
intended exclusively for service there, is styled
Her Majesty's 50th Regiment in all official docu-
ments, and is included as such in the Army List
of the day.

At this period (1755) a desultory war was being
carried on between France and England, principally
on the sea, and in North America, where the former
had seized many important stations under BriDlsh
protection.

Colonel William Shirley was shortly afterwards
promoted to major-general, and given the command
of an expedition to Lake Erie and Ontario.

He was next appointed to the command of a force
ordered . to attack the French at Niagara, but this
force never got further than Oswego; on Lake
Ontario, where it was in imminent danger, until
relieved by a successful attack of our Indian allies
under Mr. Johnson. Major-General Shirley then
abandoned any attempt to proceed further and
returned to Albany, leaving the 50th and 51st
Regiments, and 150 Jersey Provincials, under Colonel
Mercer (51st Regiment), to entrench themselves for
the winter at the embouchure of the Oswego river,
where they suffered great privations from hunger

• The 5l8t Regime Dt, under Sir W. Peppcrell, was raised in
America at the same time.

Tr?^ii^-^oc-i^B?S^^g^-f»»9BH

176C.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 6

disease, and exposure. Captain Vicars,* 50th Regi-
ment, an officer invalided from Oswego, writing of
this period, saj^s : *' He had passed the winter at
Oswego, where he declared the dearth of food to
have been such that several councils of war had
been held on the question of abandoning the place
from sheer starvation, and," he added, ^^ had the
poor fellows lived, they must have eaten one another.
Some of the men were lodged in barracks, though
without beds, while many lay all the winter in huts
on fthe bare gi^ound ; scurvy and dysentery made
frightful havoc. The garrison was so weak that the
strongest guard we proposed to mount was a subal-
tern and 20 men, but we were seldom able to
mount more than 16, and half these were obliged
to have sticks in their hands to support them ! The
sentries were so weak that the men often fell down
at their posts, and lay there till relieved. His com-
pany of 50 men was reduced to 10." (Montcalm and
Wolf.)

In 1756 Major-General Shirley was superseded
in the command-in-chief by the Earl of Loudoun,
Major-General James Abercrombie being the second
in command. In the summer of that year Colonel
Braddock was sent with provisions to Oswego, and
on his return, 29th July, 1756, he was unsuccess-
fully attacked, and learnt from one of the prisoners

* Captain John Vicars was second senior captain of Shirley's
50th in September, 1754.

6 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1756.

taken that an attack was being organised on
Oswego. A regiment was ordered to Oswego in
support, but did not begin its march till the 12th
August.

On the 4th August, 1756, the Frencli, under Mont-
calm, began the embarkation of their troops to attack
Oswego ; and on the 10th, aided by the stranding of
the British brigantino which should have guarded the
coeist, all were landed within half a league of Fort
Ontario.* The French force consisted of about 1,803
regular troops, 2,500 Canadians, and 500 Indians,
32 pieces of cannon (12 to 24 pounders) and several
large brass mortars.

About noon, on the 11th August, the enemy com-
menced their attack on Fort Ontario, garrisoned by
370 men of the 51st Regiment. About 3 p.m. on
the 13th they had established their batteries within
60 yards of the Fort, and Colonel Mercer, consider-
ing it no longer tenable, destroyed the cannon,
ammunition, and provisions, and retreated across
the River Oswego, sending the garrison to reinforce

* An interesting and fuller acconnt of this siege will be found
in Appendix, taken from a work in the reading room of the British
Museum containing three articles, one of them being "The
Conduct of Major- General Shirley in North America, by William
Alexander (called Lord Stirling), 1758." He presented his claim
to the above title unsuccessfully in 1757, and was promoted to
major-general in the American army in 1777, the year after the
declaration of independence. The account of these operations is
taken from the above work.

1756.]

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) KEGpiENT,

8 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1756.

Fort Rascal. This left Fort Oswego garrisoned by
the 50th Regiment, under the fire of Fort Ontario,
on the opposite side of the river, by whicli it was
commanded, and their batteries almost enfiladed ;
nevertheless the 50th appear to have worked tlieir
guns "remarkably well."

On the 14th the French crossed the river in three
columns, by a ford, three-quarters of a mile higlier
up. Colonel Mercer was preparing to oppose the
passage, when he was killed by a cannon shot.

Colonel Littlehales, who succeeded to the com-
mand, then called a council of war, which unani-
mously declared the works untenable. Two officers
were then sent as envoys to the French commander to
ask for terms. He replied —

" The English were an enemy he esteemed ; that
none but a brave nation would have thought of
defending so weak a place so long, against such a
strong train of artillery and superior numbers, and
that the garrison might expect whatever terms were
consistent with the service of his most Christian
Majesty.'*

The garrison thereupon surrendered. " During the
whole time of the siege, the soldiers behaved with a
remarkable resolution and intrepidity against the
enemy, exerting themselves to the utmost in the
defence of the place in every part of duty ; and it
was with great reluctance, that they were persuaded
by their officers to lay down their arms."

1756.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT, 9

On the surrender of Oswego, on the 14th August,
1756, the greater part of the 50th (and 51st) Regi-
ments became prisoners of war (War OflBce Letter,
25 — 1 — 1757, Appendix) ; part of them were sent to
Canada, to be exchanged for French prisoners, and
the remainder were transported to France. An order
was therefore issued, to incorporate such parts of the
non-commissioned officers and private men as were in
North America (but not in Oswego), at the time, into
other regiments of foot in North America; and to
place the officers on half-pay, transferring such as
were thought fit to other regiments, as vacancies
occurred.

Such non-commissioned officers aud privates of
these two regiments, as were in England at the time,
were at first ordered to be formed at Totness, into
" bodies " of not less than 100 men, under 3 lieu-
tenants and an ensign to each body ; but, by a sub-
sequent order, dated 2 — 2 — 1757, these men, amount-
ing to 10 sergeants, 10 corporals, and 300 privates
(War Office Letter, Appendix), were ordered to be
*^ turned over to^' the 2nd battalion of the 1st Royal
llegiment of Foot, ordered to embark from Ireland,
for the defence and protection of the colonies in
North America.

And, finally, the War Office Letter already quoted,
of 25 — 1 — 1757, provides that the establishments of
the said 50th and 51st Regiments shall cease from the
25th December, 1756. It is curious to notice that

THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTEETH

[1756.

the disbanding of the regiment is antedated a month ;
the officers, were, however, to receive full pay —until
it was declared to them.*

The continued hostilities between France and Eng-
land led to the struggle called tlie Seven Years' War,
in consequence of which ten regiments of infantry
were added to the regular army. The first of these
regiments was numbered the 52nd Regiment, and
Colonel James Abercrombie was appointed to the
command, by a warrant from King George II., dated
January 7th, 1756 (see Appendix). This regiment
was first made up as follows : —

From the Foot Guards ... 10

From Lord Bertie's, the 7th Regiment . 110

From Lord Loudoun's, the 30th Regiment . 152

And the following recruits were raised : —

By the Earl of Sandwich . . . 165

By the Earl of FitzwiHiam ... 58
By the Earl of Exeter . . . .27

By the Duke of Ancaster • . .78

By the Regiment . . . .140

Total . . . .740

In consequence of the disbanding of the 50th Regi-
ment, commanded by Major-General William Shirley,
and of the 51st, commanded by Major-General Sir
William Pepperel, the 52nd Regiment became the 50th.

* The soldiers of the 50th Regiment who were taken at Oswego,
were either sent to Quebec to be exchanged, or embarked on board
a French ship and taken to France, as prisoners of war.

— - — it^?;

1766.] (THE QUEEN*S OWN) REGIMENT. 11

I have been unable to find any official order for
this change, though there is no doubt that it did take
place, as the officers composing the 52nd, in the
Army List of 1756, became those of the 50th in the
Array Lists of 1757-

That the 52nd (or Abercrombie's) Regiment be-
came the 50th is also proved by extracts from the
London Gazettes of the time, in which the names
of all the previous colonels are given. For instance,
in the notification of the pension of a private soldier
of the 50th Regiment, in the London Gazette of
June 2l8t, 1760, we find the regiment described as
"late Carr's, late Griffin's, late Hodgson's, late Aber-
crombie's." It is clear from the above that the date
of the formation of the latest 50th Regiment, whose
deeds are now historical, could not have been earlier
than the 26th December, 1756, as Shirley's 50th were
only disbanded the previous day. Before this date.
Colonel James Abercrombie had been succeeded in
the command of the 52nd, by Colonel Studholme
Hodgson, who was the first colonel of the regiment,*
which was then quartered at Ipswich.

The first notable incident in the career of the
new regiment, occurred on the 5th of September,

* By aai order of April 2nd, 1756, Major-Genei^al James Aber-
crombie was appointed to command in cbief the land forces in
America, nntil the arrival of the Earl of Loudoun. He afterwards
commanded the 48th Regiment. Major- General Studholme
Hodgson commanded the British force at the capture of Belle
Isle, on the 7th June, 1761.

12 THE raSTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1757.

1757, on which date they embarked on board the
fleet, under the conimand of Sir Edward Hawke.
The expedition, which sailed under sealed orders,
was intended for the capture of the French town
and arsenal of Rochefort. It consisted of 16 ships
of the line, with frigates and transports, and 10
regiments of foot under General Sir John Mordaunt.
They sighted the isle of Oleran, which lies in
front of Rochefort, on the 20th of September. On
the 23rd, the islet of Aix was bombarded and taken,
and on the 26th orders were given for the troops to
hold themselves in readiness for a night attack on
Rochefort,* but the night proved dark and stormy.
The attack was countermanded, and, owing to the
irresolution of the general in command, no further
action was taken, and the fleet returned to England.

The 50th Regiment was landed at Spithead, and
broken up into detachments about Guildford and
Famham-t

* The following is an extract from Entick's Histoiy : —
" Lieutenant-Colonel Sir William Boothby (who commanded
the 50th on 5th September, 1764) took boat about twelve o'clock
at night, though about two leagues from the shore and a great
gale full against them, which would have endangered many of
the boats, so crowded with men that they could only stand erect.
They remained thus till about 2 p.m., when they were ordered to
re-embark, as the other regiments could not be got ready." Sir
William Boothby was at that date in the 30th Regiment, and
Edward Carr and Studholme Hodgson, who both commanded
the 50th, were oHginally in the 1st Foot Guards.

t The first record of the 50th Regiment being stationed at
Maidstone is on the 7th of January, 1758.

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 13

The uniform worn by the 50th Regiment under
Colonel Studholme Hodgson, appears to have been
somewhat similar to that shown in the frontispiece
(about 1740), and the black facings and white lace
there shown, were worn till the year 1763, when the
Army List shows the facings, to have been red with
white linings and white lace — the 52nd Regiment
being shown during this period, as wearing the old
50th uniform of black facings and white lace. Later
lists continue to show this change until 1767, when
both the 50th and 52nd Regiments, resume their
former facings. In the course of this year, an order
W6ts issued directing the regimental number to be
placed on all buttons; the button which was autho-
rised for the 50th, contained the number in the centre
surmounted by a crown, with single laurel leaves
around the outer edge. In 1769, the lapels or loops
on the coat became square at equal distances, with a
red stripe down the centre.

About the end of the century, double Hanover
loops were worn in pairs.

A sword breast-plate was introduced between 1770
and 1775, with an oval breast-plate — brass for private
soldiers, and silver for officers.

The inspection return by General Dilkes, Dublin,
27th July, 1768, shows the dress of the officers of the
50th Regiment, to have consisted of a plain scarlet
coat lapelled to the waist with black velvet, collar
the same, small round black cuifs, silver buttons.

THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH

silver epaulettes, white lining waistcoat and breeches,
and silver laced hats. Very probably, this was the
dress worn by officers in 1757, except that the
waistcoat and breeches would have been red with
white gaiters, which was the general costume until

SiLVEE BRKAST-PLATE.

about 1765, and even later ; after that period white
waistcoat and breeches, with black gaiters, became
general.

Trousers were used for field service in the
Peninsula from about 1809, and at this period
the officers of the first battalion, wore a silver

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 15

breast-plate on the sword or cross-belt, having the
motto "Quo fata vocant,"* a copy of which is
shown in the accompanying engraving.

The second battalion wore the same breast-plate
without the motto.

The engraving given on next page shows the brass
breast-plate worn by private soldiers at the same period.

About this time also the crown on the silver
button was surmounted by the lion, and both
officers and men wore the short tunic or jacket —
in the case of officers, double-breasted with two
rows of silver buttons by pairs, and one button
witli a strip of black silk cord from it, on each side
of the collar. Officers of the grenadier and light
companies wore wings (instead of epaulettes) com-
posed of silver curb chain edged with silver bullion
fringe on black velvet, with gold grenades or bugles
on the straps.

The light felt caps worn at this period, had a gilt
plate in front, festooned across the front with crimson
and gold cord, and a small red and white feather.

Private soldiers wore the same, but with plain
white cords and tassels.

* I can find no authority for the adoption of this motto or for
its abandonment, but the undoubted fact of its having been worn
by the officers of the first battalion, during the Peninsula War,
in which they greatly distinguished themselves, should form a
strong claim for its restoration to the regiment.

I am indebted to Mr. S, M. Milne, for the loan of both these
breast-plates, as well as for much valuable information about
old uniforms.

THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTDETfl

Their red jackets were single-breasted, with ten
loops of the white lace with a red stripe in the centre in
pairs down the front, and on collar and shoulder-strap,
slashes on cuffs and pocket, and a belt with brass
breast-plate, as illustrated below.

Brass Bbeast-plate.

Sergeants had a similar coat of finer cloth, with
white tape lace ; and after 1802 silver chevrons on
the right arm, with a belt and crimson sash, their
arms being a sword and a long pike.

About the tinrie of the accession of William IV.
gold was substituted for silver. The officers' dress

s5p?aR-

7^. "1

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 17

had recently been changed for a coatee, or scarlet
tail-coat, on which captains and subalterns were for
the first time, permitted to wear epaulettes on both
shoulders. On becoming the " Queen's Own," blue
velvet facings were adopted by the officers, of the
colour known as Adelaide blue, and the soldiers
changed their black facings for blue. A very hand-
some gold ornament was introduced, on the tail of
each skirt of the officers' coatee, which consisted of
" 50 " in gold on a blue ground, surrounded by a blue
garter with '^ Honi soit," &c., and the edge of gold;
a similar blue scroll underneath, with the words
" Queen's Own " edged and lettered gold, surrounded
by gold laurels and surmounted by a gold crown, all
embroidered on red cloth.

The changes of uniform from this date having
been much the same in all regiments, I need only
mention further, the changes of the sword breast-
plate of the officers.

About 1830, it was a square burnished gilt plate
with the comers cut off, ^^ 50 " in the centre in
gold, on gold ground surrounded by a ring bearing
the word ^^ Regiment," and surmounted by a crown
all in gold, wliile all round it, were the six ends of a
silver star of the thistle order.*

Some years afterwards, this was changed for the

• A good specimen of this breast-plate, is in the possession ol
Mr. S. M. Milne.

18 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH REGIMENT.

breast-plate worn by ofScers in the Crimea, composed
of a square gold bevilled plate, with "50" in the
centre in matted silver, the star and centre and the
sphynx underneath being bright silver, and the
girdle round "50" gilt.*

* A specimen of this is in the Royal United Service Institution.

ms;;^^^'^-^

«fe^fc >.

* ■ ^^ -^v^

T=,«X'

r-iirCTT>j:_\

3SEL.

V.nrer.i Braato.Dj^ iSorr Phale h^h

■-■* 'f JP^.^-^

CHAPTER 11.

SEVKN years' wae — 1760.

In the year 1757 France, by virtue of the Treaty
of Closter Seven, was in undisputed possession of
the Electorate of Hanover, then united to the
British Crown. England was at that time in alli-
ance with Prussia, whilst Russia and Austria op-
posed them. After the total defeat of the French
at the battle of Rosbach, the Hanoverians rose
against them and drove them out, and Pitt tardily
consented to send British troops to aid the Hano-
verian army, which was under the command of Fer-
dinand, Duke of Brunswick and Luneberg.

The 50th Regiment did not take part in the cam-
paign, until after the Battle of Minden. They re-
ceived orders to join the army in Germany on the
8th of May, 1760, arriving there in the following
June, and joined the corps d'arm^e of Prince Ferdi-
nand on the 20th of that month. The regiment
speedily had an opportunity of distinguishing them-
selves ; and a portion of them incorporated with the

20 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1760.

1st Battalion of British Grenadiers were prominently
engaged in the campaign.*

It consisted of parts of Hodgson's (5th), Barring-
ton's (8th), Bockland's (11th), Cornwallis' (24th),
Griffin's (33rd), and Carr's (50th). (London Gazette.)

The allied army, which the 60th Regiment had
now joined, quitted their camp at Fritzlar on the
Eder on the 24th of June, and on the 27th they took
up a position between Treissa and Zigenhayn on the
right of the Schwalm, having that river in their
front. M. de Broglio, who commanded one of the
French armies, opposed them with his right at Neu-
statt, and his left at Speckwinckel, the two armies
being about eight miles apart.

On the 3rd of July M. de Broglio began a move-
ment to his left, taking the small fortified places of
Rosenthal and Frankenberg, which the allies met by

• The brigade was at first styled the Brigade of British
Grenadiers and Highlanders, but it was afterwards called the
Bntish (and occasionally the English) Grenadiers.

During the years 1761 and 1762 they formed the first brigade
of Lord Granby*s corps under Colonel Beckwith.

Part of the 50th Regiment was incorporated with the first
battalion, which was under Major Daulhart at the battle of
Warburg, but afterwards under Major Welsh.

Probably it comprised the two flank companies of the 50th
Regiment. The orderly room records of the 50th evidently refer
to this corps when they say : " The flank companies were engaged
in several affairs during the campaign."

It is unfortunate that in the lists of killed and wounded of this
corps no referencs is made to the regiments to which they
belonged, except at Warburg.

1700.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 21

sending parties to secure Nieder-UrfF and Wildungen
on the 4th.

Prince Ferdinand, finding the French army of the
Lower Rhine under M. de St. Germain was also
advancing from Lunen on the Lippe river, via
Dortmond, towards Brilon and Corbach, broke up
his camp at 3 p.m. on the 8th July and retired,
arriving on the 9th on the heights of Braunen (or
Brauna), near Wildungen, where he encamped.
The advanced corps, under the Hereditary Prince,
(nephew * of Prince Ferdinand), reinforced by some
extra battalions (which included the 50th Regiment)
and some squadrons under Major-General Griffin, t was
sent forward the same day to secure Saxenhausen.

M. de Broglio, judging that Prince Ferdinand's
design in retreating was to secure the heights of
Corbach, and knowing that such also was the object
of the French army under M. de St. Germain,
ordered the advanced guard of his army to push
forward for that place, and followed them with the
main body by forced marches.

At 2 o'clock on the morning of the 10th July the
Hereditary Prince with the vanguard, including
Major-General Griffin's force, marched to Corbach,
but found that the advanced guard of M. de Broglio's
army and the van of M. de St. Germain's had

* One authority says son of Prince Ferdinand,
t Major-General Carr had just succeeded Major-General Griffin
in the command of the 50th Regiment.

22 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1760.

arrived before them and taken possession of the
heights. The Hereditary Prince, however, conceiv-
ing that the force opposed to him was not very
strong, and estimating their whole force not to ex-
ceed 10,000 to 15,000 infantry and 17 squadrons,
formed the idea of driving them back. With this
view the advance corps made a dashing attack upon
tlie enemy, whicli became extremely hot about 2
o'clock ; but the enemy being continually reinforced,
and having the advantage of numbers and position,
the Prince found it impossible to dislodge tbem ; and
an order to retire having been received from Prince
Ferdinand, whose main army had now arrived at
Saxenhausen, the Hereditary Prince commenced a
retreat, which proved very disastrous, for they were
vigorously followed up by the now greatly superior
forces of the enemy, and lost 12 cannon, 4 howitzers,
27 officers and 797 non-commissioned officers and men
killed, wounded, and missing. The loss of the 50th
was 2 privates killed, Lieutenant Cathcart and 7
privates w^ounded, and 6 privates missing.

The following extract from an official letter from
Prince Ferdinand, dated the 11th July, 1760, shows
that the 50th Regiment took a prominent part in the
above engagement : —

^' General Count de Kilmansegge greatly distin-
guished himself in this affair, as well as Major-General
Griffin, with the two English battalions, Carr's (50th)
and Brudenel's (51st)." (Translation.)

1760.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 23

The French army encamped on the heights of
Corbach, and that of Prince Ferdinand at Saxen-
hausen, their left not more than a mile and a half
from the enemy, and separated from them by an
almost impracticable ravine.

After some skirmishes the French army struck
their tents on the 24!th July, and moved towards
the Dymel river.

Prince Ferdinand marched to Wolfshagen on the
road to Cassel.

The French army now broke up into three
columns, one of them under Prince Xavier threaten-
ing Cassel, while another endeavoured to cut off
General Sporcken's command from the rest of the
allied army.

The subjoined despatch from Prince Ferdinand,
dated head-quarters at Warburg, 1st August, 1760,
shows the further action of his column. (See map of
Cassel and vicinity.)

The Chevalier de Muy having passed the Dymel
at Stadbergen, with the reserve of the French army
under his command (amounting as is supposed to
upwards of 35,000 men), extending itself down to the
river, in order to cut off our communications with
Westphalia, while Marshal Broglio advanced with the
main army towards our camp at Kalle, as Prince
Xavier of Saxony did likewise towards Cassel, vrhich
place General Kilmansegge was left with a body of
troops to protect.

24 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1760.

H.S.H. passed the Dymel in the night of the 30th
between Liebenau and Dringelbourg.

The Hereditary Prince passed that river on the
29th to reinforce General Sporcken, and took post
between Liebenau and Corbeke,* the whole force then
consisting of 24 battalions and 22 squadrons.

On the 30th his Higliness reconnoitred De Muy*8
camp between Warbourg and Ocksendorf.

About 5 the next morning 31st July, the grand
army assembled and formed on the heights near Cor-
beke, while the Hereditary Prince was marching in
two columns in order to turn the enemy's flank,
which was attacked almost at the same time by the
Hereditary Prince, and M. de Sporcken ; and after a
very sharp engagement the enemy was at last obliged
by our continual fire to give way, and fall back upon
Warbourg.

The army was marching in the meanwhile with the
greatest expedition to attack the enemy in front, but
as the infantry could not get up in time, the Marquis
of Qranby was ordered to advance with the cavalry
of the right, and the English artillery, &c., &c.

The town of Warbourg was then attacked by the
Legion Britannique, and the enemy finding them-
selves thus attacked on both their flanks, in front,
and in rear, retired with the utmost precipitation,
and with the loss of many men, both from the fire

* Places in vicinity of Cassel will be found in large map at p. 42.

1760.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 25

of our artillery and from the charges of our cavalry.
Many of them were drowned in attempting to ford
the Dymel, &c.

Return of the killed, wounded, and missing of the
British Grenadiers and Highlanders on the field of
Warbourg, 31st July, 1760, from the London Gazette,
19th August, 1760 :—

Infantry.
1st Battalion, commanded by Major Daulhart.

BegimeDt. Killed. Wounded. Missing.

Hodgson's 5th 4 Pts. 2 Of. 26 Pts.

Barrington's 8th 1 N.C.O. 2 Pts. 1 Of. 13 Pts. 1 Pt-

Bocland's 11th 6 Pts. 21 Pts. 6 Pts.

Comwallis' 24th 1 Of. 1 N.C.O. 3 Pts. 1 Of. 21 Pts. 3 Pts.

Griffin's 33rd 6 Pts. 33 Pts.

Carr's 50th 4 Pts. 2 N.C.O. 14Pts.

Total killed, 1 Of., 2 N.O.O., 25 Pts. ; wounded, 4 Of.,
2 N.C.O., 128 Pts.

2nd Battalion, commanded by Major Maxwell.
Regiment. Killed. Woonded. Missing.

Napier's 12th 1 N.C.O. 15 Pts. 1 Of. 3 N.C.O. 32 Pts.
Kingsley's 20th 2 N CO. 13 Pts. 1 Of. 3 N.C.O. 35 Pts.
Boscawen'823Kl 1 N.C.O. 11 Pts. 2 Of. 19 Pts.
Home's 25th* 1 N.C.O. 7 Pts. 1 Of. 1 N.C.O. 24 Pts. 4 Pts.
Stuart's 37th 10 Pts. 2 Of. 1 N.C.O. 19 PU.

Bradenel's 61st 9 Pts. 1 Of. 1 N.C.O. 22 Pts.

Total killed, 5 N.C.O., 65 Pts. ; wounded, 1 Of., 9 N.C.O.,
151 Pts.

* Afterwards Erskine's.

26 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1760.

The enemy are reported to have left 1,500 on the
field of battle, with a loss of an equal number of
prisoners, 10 pieces of cannon, and some colours.
The fate of the action was decided by an attack upon
the enemy's left, in which the brigade of British
Grenadiers and Highlanders took part. Prince
Ferdinand, in a further despatch to His Britannic
Majesty on this affair, says: ^^ Colonel Beckwith,
who commanded the brigade of British Grenadiers
and Scotch Highlanders, distinguished himself greatly,
and was wounded in the head."

The chief loss of the allies fell upon the British
Grenadiers and Highlanders,- who had 415 men killed
and wounded out of a total of 590 men lost by the
British ; the casualties in the rest of the allied army
being trifling. The loss to the 50th Regiment was
4 rank and file killed, 2 non-commissioned officers
and fourteen rank and file wounded.*

The majority of the British infantry under General
Waldegrave were unable to get up in time, although
they ^'pressed their march as much as possible;" many
of the men from the heat of the weather, and over-
straining to get on through morassy and very difficult

ground, dropped down dead on their march.

Prince Ferdinand's army then encamped on the

heights of Warburg, with the Dymel in their front ;

* The loss of the 60th in this action occurred in the 1st
Battalion of British Grenadiers. (See list of killed and wonnded
of that corps).

^IJ tJ^^lJ

1760.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 27

the enemy being on the opposite side separated by
the river.

The above success was, however, counterbalanced
by the loss of the fortified town of Cassel, defended
by General Kilmansegge with 12 battalions and 6
squadrons.

Prince Ferdinand, writing to Count Holdenesse
(August 1) on the subject, says: ^^I am in despair,
my lord, to announce to you the loss of the town of
Cassel, taken by Prince Xavier at the moment that I
sent the news of the defeat of M. de Muy."

The French army left their camp on the Dymel in
the night between the 21st and 22nd of August. The
Hereditary Prince crossed that river on the 22nd at
the head of 12,000 men, and endeavoured to gain the
left flank of the enemy. His advanced troops came
up with their rear guard at Zierenberg, and after the
light troops on each side had been engaged with
indififerent success, the Hereditary Prince arrived in
person, with the Greys and Inniskillings, supported
by the English Grenadiers, and put an end to the
afikir in a quarter of an hour by forcing the enemy to
a precipitate flight with great loss. The same even-
ing 12 British regiments* and 10 squadrons passed
the Dymel in pursuit, and encamped near Wilda.

Three second battalions of the Guards arrived at
Weser on the 30th July, and overtook the British
contingent at Buhne, near Warburg, on the 25th of

* The 50th Regiment must have been one of these battalions.

28 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1760.

August, Buhne being at the time the head-quarters
of Prince Ferdinand.

Lieut. -Gen. the Hon. Seymour Conway's corps was
then arranged as under : —

Ist Brig., Brig.-Gen. Caesar, 2iid Brig., Brig.-Gen. Townshend.
Grenadiers of the Guard. 8tli Regiment, Barrington.

2nd Battalion 1st Guards. 25th „ Erskina

Do, Coldstreams. 50th ,, Carr.

Do. 3rd Guards. 20th „ Kingsley.

Cavalry Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Douglas.
Bland^s (1st Dragoon Guards), 3 squadrons.
Howard's, 2 squadrons.
Waldegravo's (5th Dragoon Guards), 2 squadrons.

(" History of the Grenadier Guards/* bj General Hamilton.)

Nothing further that affected the 50th Regiment
occurred during this year. As far as I can ascertain
only one battalion of British Grenadiers (Maxwell's)
being employed at the surprise and gallant capture of
the town of Zierenberg on the 5th September.*

* The French account of the surprise of Zierenberg gives the fol-
lowing:— " The column of English Grenadiers advanced in great
order, with their bayonets fixed, without firing a musket, by the two
streets that lead to the churchyard, the only square or open place
in the whole town. These Grenadiers advanced to the churchyard
in the gi'eatest order and the greatest silence. The night was so
dark that they formed at the side of the French troops, who for
some time imagined them to be their own piquet, but at last,
discovering their mistake, a fierce encounter ensued with bayonets,
and several were killed or wounded. The English being superior
in numbers drove the infantry from the churchyard." — Operations
of the Allied Army,

1760.]

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

The roads having become impracticable the troops
went into winter quarters early in December — the
Guards at Paddeborn, and the rest of the troops in
that country and along the Dymel and Weser — the
Marquis of Granby's head-quarters being at Corvey on
the Weser.

The following year the 50th Regiment continued
in the same brigade and division.*

* The following state of the 60th Regiment, from the official
return of November 1, 1761, will be interesting: —

Present 60th (Carr's).
Colonel

Lieut. -Colonel

Major

6 Captains
16 Lieutenants
6 Ensigns

1 Chaplain
1 Adjutant

1 Quartermaster
Surgeon

2 Mates

33 Serjeants
13 Drummers

Officers absent.
Lieutenant- General Carr
Lieutenant-Colonel Prescot
Major Barrj .
Captain Sir A. Hope
Captain Warburton
Lieutenant Baskerville
Lieutenant Koss
Ensign Cook
Ensign Laycraf t .

Privates.

477 Fit for duty
66 Sick present

133 Do. in hospital
8 On command
Recruiting
On furlough

674 Total.

By whose leave.
Lord Granby's. ^
Lord Granby's.
Sick in hospital.
Sick in hospital.
On duty at Bremen.
Lord Granby's.
Quartermaster at Bremen.
Ijord Granby's.
Not joined.

30 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1761.

The early part of this year found the French in
possession of Hesse, with several well-fortified places
and numerous magazines. Their left was at Wesel *
on the Lippe river, their right in the fortress of
Gottingen, with strong posts in rear and on both
flanks.

The danger of being suiTOunded to which Prince
Ferdinand was thus exposed, induced him to try the
effect of a winter campaign. He therefore drew
together his troops on the 9th of February, and
crossed the Dymel on the 11th in four columns. The
leading column, under the Marquis of Granby (which
included General Conway's division),! marched on
Volkmissen, where they were cantoned that night.

The Hereditary Prince was ordered to advance

The following is a list of the British Regiments employed in
Germany ivom the same state (exclusive of Guards) : —
Major-Gen. Hodgson, 5th. Major-Gen. Erskine, 2oth.

Major-Gen. Barrington, 8th. Major-Gen. Griffin, 33rd.
Lieut.-Gen. Bockland, llth. Lieut.-Gen. Stewart, 37th.
Lieut.-Gen. Napier, 12th. Lieut.-Gen. Carr, 60th.

Lieut.-Gen. Kingsley, 20th. Major-Gen. Brudenel, 51st.
Lieut.-Gen. Boscawen, 23rd. Lieut.-Colonel Keith, 87th.
Lieut.-Gen. Cornwallis, 24th. Lieut.-Colonel Campbell, 88th.

• West of Lunen.

t The "History of the Grenadier Guards," vol. ii. p. 175,
gives the troops under Lord Granby 's command at this period,
which includes, among others. General Conway's division, of
which the 50th Regiment formed part of the 2nd Brigade.

The same work says. Lord Granby "with the Guards and the
rest of the British troops taking the lead to Treyza."

A letter from Lord Granby of February llth, 1761, says he was

1761.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 31

through the pass of Waldeck towards Fritzlar, and
drive in the enemy's posts on the Edler, while
General Sporcken's column was to have done the
same on the Werra, where they destroyed the maga-
zines at Lahgensalza, the remaining column being
under Prince Ferdinand.

This enterprise was so well planned and so un-
expected, that it succeeded at all points, and the Due
de Broglio and his army were driven back to the
River Mayne; before theii* retreat, however, they
left large garrisons in Gottingen and Cassel. To
the siege of the latter place Prince Ferdinand now
applied himself, opening the trenches before it on
the 1st of March. He encountered great diflSculties
from the brave defence and the inclemency of the
weather. The French army under De Broglio soon
rallied, and, resuming the offensive, they beat the
Hereditary Prince near Grunberg on the 21st of

in command of the right column, while the position he assigns to
the columns of the Hereditary Prince and General Sporcken
would make his column central. The explanation appears to be
that Lord Granby's was the right column in crossing the Dymel
river ; the column of the Hereditary Prince crossing that river in
rear of Lord Granby, and having much further to go, it would be
a long time before the Hereditary Prince got on his right. This
would make the former both the leading and the right column.

The same letter says that Lord Granby's force was cantoned
that night at Volkmissen, and was to attack Durenberg next
morning (in the direction of Cassel), and on the 19th I find his
column approaching Ziegenhayn (where a garrison had been left
by the enemy), which is on the road to and near Treysa.

32 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1761.

March, and compelled Prince Ferdinand to raise the
siege of Cassel after twenty-seven days.

Both armies then resumed the positions they had
occupied during the winter, the allies recrossing the
Dymel on the 1st April.

The allied army had, liowever, in the meantime
destroyed a great many French magazines, which
prevented the latter from renewing hostilities till the
end of June, at which period Marshal Soubise's army
advanced from the Rhine and Marshal De Broglio's
from the Fulda, both armies manoeuvering to join
their forces and to give battle to Prince Ferdinand,
who made no effort to prevent the junction, confident
in the strength of his position.

On the 25th of June Lord Granby marched to
Soest, and at 12 o'clock that night he was detached
with the two battalions of British Grenadiers, two
battalions of Highlanders, and Colonel Harvey's
brigade of cavalry to Wippringhausen. He was
joined next day by Hodgson's (5th), Napier's (12th),
Cornwallis' (24th), and Stuart's (37th) Regiments, and
on the evening of the 27th he took up a position on
the heights of Rhuden to cover the advance of the
main army, which marched at 12 o'clock that night
from Werle. In addition to the troops already
enumerated. Lord Granby had now under his com-
mand 2 battalions of Mansbcrg's Regiment, 10 six-
pounders, 5 squadrons of Elliott's Dragoons, and the
Hessian Chasseurs.

1761.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 33

On the 5th of July Prince Ferdinand endeavoured
to bring a portion of the enemy to action.* With this
view, the Hereditary Prince was ordered to attack
their left, and the battalions of Grenadiers and High-
landers, Elliott's Dragoons, and all the Hussars
their right. The enemy, however, proved to be too
strongly posted, and the troops were withdrawn.

Shortly afterwards General Sporcken was com-
pelled to withdraw his troops from the Dyniel (or
Diemel) river,t and Marshal De Broglio took posses-
sion of Paddebom, and was reported to be marching
on Lippstadt. On the 6th, however, he effected his
junction with Marshal Soubise through the Forest of
Testenberg, near Soest.

Ten days were now lost by the united armies in
reconnoitring Prince Ferdinand's position, and they
do not appear to have very cordially co-operated.

They occupied a strong position to the south of the
Eiver Lippe, their left stretching towards Soest, and
their right reaching to the heights of Rhuden.

Prince Ferdinand awaited their attack ; his left,
under Lord Granby (including General Conway's
division), in the narrows between the rivers Ahse
and Lippe, was posted on a hill between the ^^Uages
of Kirch-Denkem, and Velinghausen, commanding

* Probably a portion of Marshal Soubise's force, which arrived
first.

t De Broglio is said to have beaten Sporcken and taken 800
prisoners and 19 cannon.

34 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1761.

the road between Ham and Lippstadt. Near this
position the Ahse river is joined by the Salzbach, a
small deep river, behind which ran an eminence on
which the centre was posted (at first held by the
Prince of Anhalt), while the extreme right, behind
Werle, was held by the Hereditary Prince, his front
protected by almost impassable ground.

About 5 p.m. on the 15th July firing was heard on
the left, and the troops were disposed to resist an
attack ; about 6 o'clock Marshal de Broglio advanced
against Lord Granby's position, while Marshal
Soubise held a large force in readiness should this
attack prove successful.

Loi'd Granby had orders to maintain his position
to the last, and the British troops were posted on
the wooded heights of Velinghausen — the enemy
drove in Lord Granby's outposts, but were unable
to reach these heights, where the fight was continued
with *^ indescribable bravery " by the British troops
until 10 o'clock at nigJit, when De Broglio's troops
were withdrawn*

The attack was renewed at 3 a.m. next morning
(16th), but General Wertgenau's command had now
reinforced Lord Granby, taking post on his extreme
left, and the Prince of Anhalt's force was also ordered
to take up a position on his right, where a bridge over
the Ahse was in the possession of the enemy, General
Conway's division taking his place behind the
Salzbach, between Hohenover and Uinghen. To the

1761.]

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

Battle of V£unchaus£n and Uppstadt .

•-'"^%#\i!WI|

e=3 JlHted Ba/raiw/ts

Bo* B* . fbf^

rre

36 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1761.

right of General Conway, General Boose held the
heights of Wambeln between l)is position and that of
the Hereditary Prince,

The enemy redoubled their attack on tlie left of
Lord Granby's position, held by General Wert-
genau (who was reinforced about 7 o'clock by
six battalions from General Sporcken's force on the
other side of the Lippe) without gaining any
advantage.

About 9 o'clock it was discovered that the enemy
were endeavouring to place some cannon on an
eminence, opposite to Lord Granby's position, which
would have done much damage. An attack was
therefore ordered, consisting of the two battalions of
Britisli Grenadiers, Keith and Campbell's regiments,
and Hanoverian troops ; tliese were ordered to march
through a thick coppice and attack the enemy's left,
while Napier's regiment, supported by German troops,
were to attack in front.

The enemy's riglit gave way, and the Grenadiers
gaining the heights found them moving off. The
first battalion fell in with them, killing many and
making a great number of prisoners. Maxwell, at the
head of the Grenadiers, took the whole regiment of
De Rouge. The enemy must have lost 5,000 men
in the two attacks.

Colonel Beckwith at the head of the British
Grenadiers pushed on about two miles in pursuit of
the enemy.

1761.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 37

The enemy now attacked the centre, held by-
General Conway's division, made themselves master
of the bridge and village of Scheidingen, and made
seven different attacks on a redoubt that commanded
the exit from that village, which were always re-
pulsed.

The Irish brigade (in the service of France) made
an unsuccessful attempt to force the passage of the
rivulet* to the left of Scheidingen, which was held by
three battalions.

As the enemy's attack had failed at all points.
Marshal Soubise's force took no part in it, and the
day ended by a retreat of the French armies.

Prince Ferdinand at once ordered " a general
advance of his troops, which speedily turned the
retreat into a flight. They are reported to have lost
5,000 to 6,000 killed, wounded, and prisoners, with
9 pieces of cannon, and 6 colours, t

The loss of the 50th Regiment consisted of 2
privates wounded and one taken prisoner, but this
does not include the portion of the regiment incor-
porated with the 1st Battalion of British Grenadiers,
whose losses would be shown with that corps.

The two armies separated and retired to their
former positions on the 26th, and Prince Ferdinand

* This refers to the rivulet running by Ilingen, and the three
battalions would be guards from General Caesar's brigade. See
plan of position of Conway's brigade.

t French accounts only admit a loss of 2,400#

38 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1761.

followed the army of Marshal De Broglio which
marched towards Paddebom on the 27th.

He succeeded in heading him at Hameln on the
Weser, while the Hereditary Prince threatened his
rear from the direction of Warbourg.

After repeated skirmishes with varying success,
the French position on the Weser was turned by
a successful attack of General Luckner on Dassel,
on the 14th of August, and on the 18th of that
month they retreated across that river at Hoxter,
in the direction of Eimbech.

Hoxter was taken possession of by the allies on
the 21st, and on the 24th Prince Ferdinand, at the
head of Lord Granby's Division, with all the British
troops except the Guards, proceeded by forced
marches towards the Dyniel river, and fired all the
enemy's forts in that direction ; * then crossed the
river and encamped within six leagues of Cassel.

On the 17th September the Hereditary Prince,
having driven back Marshal Soubise's ai'my, crossed
the Dymel at Warburg and advanced to Wilhelm-
stadt, where he was joined on the 20th by Prince
Ferdinand's army.

In the beginning of November an attempt to cut
off a French column under Marshal Chabot, at
Escherhausen, in which General Conway's division

* Particularly Drengenbonrg on a branch of the Lippe river
where 300 prisoners were taken.

1761.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 89

held an advanced position, was frustrated by the
overturning of General Hardenberg's pontoon train.

The following extract from the London Gazette
will give some idea of the harassing nature of the
duties that fell to the British troops at this period.

" British Camp at Worwolde, November 8th.

" Since the 3rd of this month wo have been
continually under arms. Our first operation was
the dislodging of the French corps encamped at
Escherhausen, when we were assigned to take them
in rear, while other corps were to fall on their front
and flank. We drove in their advanced posts, but
they would not await an attack. We were then
ordered to march on towards Eimbech, When we
got to the neighbourhood of that place we found
the Hereditary Prince engaged in a cannonade with
the enemy's army ; but their strong position made
it impossible to make any impression. We remained
there that night, and next day, after which we were
ordered to march to this place, Worwolde, which
we did in the night, through a heavy fall of snow
and over almost impassable roads. Our tents were
but just pitched and the camp formed, when we
heard a report from outposts that the enemy were
coming down upon us in a strong body. Our troops
thereupon instantly formed, advanced, and attacked
the French with the greatest spirit and drove them
back almost to their very camp, and we had the

40 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1761.

good fortune to have our General-in-Chief, Prince
Ferdinand, a spectator of what occun^ed.

"The next morning Lord Granby was again
attacked before he could march to follow the main
army, which was endeavouring to work round to
the rear of De Broglio, but he again repulsed the
enemy with considerable loss. De Broglio, now
finding the Prince to be on his flank and rear, saw
he must either risk an action or retire, and deciding
on the latter, he quitted Eimbech and the adjacent
country on the 9th."

Lord Granby reporting on this action at Worwolde
says : —

" I can never enough admire the extraordinary
spirit and gallant behaviour of the troops under my
command after the extraordinary fatigue they had
undergone.

" The corps engaged were the British Grenadiers
and the Highlanders under Lord F. Cavendish, Lieu-
tenant-General Schules, and Major- General Pincier's
brigades of infantry, and Colonel Harvey's brigade.
Schules, Cavendish, and Johnston's brigades under
the command of Lieutenant- General Conway,* and
joined with him are the 5th at Wentzer.

** I must particularize Maxwell's chasseurs."

The troops moved into cantonments for the

* At this period LieDteDant- General Conway appears to have
ceased to command Townsend's Brigade, and from this date we
find an entirely new disposition of the brigade.

1762.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 41

Winter on the 12th of November ; General Conway
at Eimbech, with Hodgson's, Bockland's, Barring-
ton's, and some Gorman regiments.

The 50th and most of the British battalions were
cantoned in the bishopric of Osnaburgh.

Early in the year 1762 the corps of General Luck-
ner and the Hereditary Prince were engaged with the
enemy, but the British troops did not assemble till
June 4th, when they joined the corps d'armee of
General Sporcken near Blomberg,

On the 18th of that month the whole allied army
was imited at Brackel.

The 50th Regiment was brigaded with the same
troops as in the previous year, but the division
was now commanded by General Sporcken, and the
brigade which occupied the right of the second
line of the division was commanded by General
Waldgrave.

On the 20th of June Lord Granby's corps, which
comprised both battalions of the British Grenadiers,
under Colonel Beck with, advanced to Warburg on
the Dymel river.

On the 21st they crossed the Dymel and recon-
noitred the enemy's left towards Volckernissen, re-
turning the same evening, and about the same
date the castle of Zappaburg on the enemy's right
front and all the passes of the Dymel river were
seized.

On the 22nd the whole French army, under

42 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1762.

Marshals D'Estrees and Soubise, took up a strong
position to cover Cassel ; their right near Grevenstein
and their left protected by the wooded heights of
Meizenbrecksen .

Here Prince Ferdinand determined to attack them.
With this view General Luckner, who had been
posted on the Leine river watching Gottingen, broke
up his camp on the night of the 22nd; passed the
Weser at Bodenfelde at six in the evening on the
23rd; encamped for the night at Gotsbuhren, and
marching again at 3 a.m. by the woods and castle
of Zappaburg, he took up a position at 7 a.m. on the
24th on the enemy's right flank, between Mariendorf
and Underhausen.

The main body of the army passed the Dymel in
seven columns, to their left of Liebenau, at 4 a.m. on
the 24th June. Two of these columns, under General
Sporcken, consisting of Hanoverian troops, were
ordered to form up on and attack the enemy's right
flank, while General Luckner, who was already
posted there, attacked it simultaneously from the rear.

Prince Ferdinand himself commanded the remain-
ing five columns, which comprised among others
twelve battalions of British infantry, one of which
must have been the 50th Eegiment.* This force,

* The two columns commanded by General Sporcken consisted
of 12 Hanoverian battalions and cavalry. (Operations of Allied
Army.)
I have not been able to obtain details of the composition of

jak ueSH

1762.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 43

which was intended to attack the enemy in front,
formed up to their right of the little village of
Kelz, to the north-west of Grevenstein, while sixteen
squadrons of cavalry took part at Geismar, in rear of
their left.

Lord Granby's force, which included the British
Grenadiers, passed the Dymel, in three columns,
between 2 and 3 a.m., and were ordered to attack
the enemy's left flank from the direction of Ziren-
berg.

These operations were carried out witli such success
that the columns liad taken up their respective posi-
tions before the enemy had any apprehension of
being assaulted.

The attack of Generals Luckner and Sporcken on
the enemy's right, assisted by the cavalry, at Geis-
mar, was also completely successful, and that flank
was driven back in confusion.

Prince Ferdinand now attacked in front, while the
Marquis of Granby moved to the rear of the enemy's
left flank at Zirenberg, and advanced through Furs-
stenwalde, threatening to cut off the retreat of the
whole army.

The two marshals, seeing themselves attacked in
front, flank, and rear, abandoned all their equipages

Prince Ferdinand's force of five columns ; but as it comprised
twelve British regiments it must have included the 50th Regi-
ment, as, deducting Lord Granby's command, it would take all
the British infantry then in Germany to provide twelve battalions.

44 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1762.

and used the utmost expedition in retiring to the
heights of Wilhelmsthal.

Tlie French General, M. de Steinville, perceiving
that Lord Granby's force cut off the retreat of part
of the army, threw himself into the woods between
Meizenbretsen and Wilhelmsthal to cover their retreat.
Hero he was at once attacked by Lord Granby, and
after a gallant resistance the whole of his force was
either killed, taken, or dispersed, except two bat-
talions which managed to escape.

The enemy now retired to their entrenched camp
under Cassel, being closely pursued by the allies until
within reach of the cannon of the town, and Prince
Ferdinand encamped that night between the heights
of Wilhelmsthal and the town.

The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded was
not known, but their own estimate is said to be 900
men, in addition to which 1 standard, 6 colours,
2 cannon, and 2,732 prisoners were taken.

The following is the report on Lord Granby^s
command : —

" Lord Granby acquitted himself upon this occa-
sion with his usual intrepidity and good conduct, and
greatly contributed to the victory. All the troops in
general behaved with uncommon spirit, but particu-
larly the 1st Battalion of Grenadiers, belonging to
Colonel Beck withes brigade, who distinguished them-
selves greatly.
. ^^ The loss of the 1st Battalion of British

1762.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 45

Grenadiers, now under the command of Colonel
Welsh, was 3 privates killed, 40 wounded, and 3
prisoners.

" The total loss of the allies was 10 officers, 33
non-commissioned officers, and 753 privates killed,
wounded, and missing."

The remainder of this year was occupied in desul-
tory operations, principally in the neighbourhood of
the Rivers Ohm and Lahn, in which the allied array
had generally the advantage.

Early in July, Prince Ferdinand determined to
drive the enemy from a strong position which they
had taken up at Homburg, and a force under Lord
Cavendish and Lord Granby was selected for this
service.

About the 1st of that month Elliott's cavalry drove
in the enemy's outposts, when they at once struck
their tents and made preparations to retreat, covered
by their cavalry. Lord Granby perceiving this,
ordered his cavalry to advance, which they did,
>^ falling on the enemy's rear with the greatest ardour
and success; but the cavalry of the retreating side
turning about, attacked Elliott's dragoons while
scattered in pursuit, and they were only saved by
the promptness with which ^'The Blues" came to
their rescue.

The situation of the two regiments remained very
critical, but they kept the enemy at bay till the
infantry came up, when the French retreated in

46 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFnBTH [1762.

haste, ^* the British Grenadiers and Highlandei's fol-
lowing them with their usual ardour.'^

On the 15th July, Prince Ferdinand marched
from Wilhelmsthal to Hoff, and all the enemy's posts
on the Fulda as far as Melsungen were attacked. In
particular, the corps under the Marquis of Granby
advanced to the Edler, leaving their tents stand-
ing. The British Grenadiers, the Highlanders, and
Bland's Regiment forded that river between Nieder
Melric and Felzberg, while General Freytag passed
over the bridge of Felzberg ; but the enemy having
been considerably reinforced, the troops had to
retire.

During that month Prince Ferdinand arranged
an attack on Prince Xavier's corps at Luttenburg
(east of Cassel and south of the Fulda).

On the night of the 23rd three columns crossed
the Fulda. The Grenadiers on the left began tho
attack about 4 a.m., crossing the river under a severe
fire of cannon and musketry, followed by the rest of
the infantry, though the water was above their waists.
The afiair was sharply disputed for some time, but at
length the enemy were driven out of four palisadoed
redoubts, and from all their entrenchments, and re-
treated to Cassel, leaving one regiment of cavalry
and two of Grenadiers as prisoners.

The French general De Stainville, having marched
out from his entrenched camp in the Krazenberg to
cover their retreat, Prince Ferdinand marched on it,

1762.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 47

took possession of it, and destroyed all the works and
redoubts there.

The enemy's loss was very considerable, and the
prisoners amounted to 1,100, besides 13 pieces of
cannon and 2 standards.

The loss of the allies did not exceed 200 men.

On the 18th and 19th of September an obstinate
conflict took place for the possession of the castle of
Amonebourg. *

A desperate struggle took place across the River
Ohm. The troops on both sides being constantly
relieved as soon as their ammunition was exhausted.*

The attack continued for 14 hours without a
moment's interruption, and though 50 pieces of cannon
were employed, their execution was confined to about
400 paces.

The loss of the allies was computed at about 800.

The French acknowledged a loss of 300 killed
and 800 wounded.

The castle surrendered to the French on the 22nd,
after a practical breach had been made.

On the 16th September Prince Ferdinand opened
the trenches before Cassel, which had been blockaded

* Lord Granby "writing about this affair under date of October
2nd says :

" History fumisbes no account of so obstinate a dispute. The
redoubt was exposed to the enemy's cannon at 300 paces and
small arms at 30, there were 600 dead in the redoubt, and the
troops that came late used the dead to form a parapet. Maxwell's
battalion of British Grenadiers were engaged."

48 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH REGIMENT. [1762.

for some time by the Prince of Brunswick, and which
surrendered on the Ist November, after two sallies
(on the 16th and 22nd).

On the 14th of November a messenger arrived
with the information, that preliminaries of peace had
been signed on the 3rd instant at Fontainebleau. A
suspension of hostilities took place on the 15th, and
the two armies began to file off towards their respec-
tive quarters ; the British troops moving towards the
bishopric of Munster.

The thanks of the House of Commons were com-
municated to the troops on the 13th of January, 1763.
Lord Granby, who had returned to England, also sent
a letter of thanks to the British troops.

On the 15th of January, Carr's and Brudenel's regi-
ments were ordered up, in consequence of a dispute
about pay — on account of which the Legion Britan-
nique were in a state of mutiny — which was promptly
quelled.

The first division of British troops began their
march through Holland to Williamstadt on the 25th
of that month ; where the embarkation of troops in
two divisions began on the 21st of February.

The 50th Regiment remained in cantonments on
the frontiers of Holland till March 1763, when they
returned home, and were quartered at various stations
in Ireland.

CHAPTER III.

CORSICA.

The 50th Regiment remained in Ireland till the latter
part of 1772, when it embarked for Jamaica, where
it arrived at the beginning of 1773. A light com-
pany was added to its establishment on the 21st
September, 1771. It remained at Jamaica till the
beginning of 1776, and was then ordered to North
America, where it was broken up, and the whole of
of the men fit for duty were drafted to reinforce
other regiments. The staflFwas sent to England to
recruit to their full strength, and arrived at Salis-
bury for this purpose in November 1776.

On the 3rd July, 1778, the regiment, now completed,
embarked in H.M. SS. ^* Centaur," *^ Vengeance,"
" Defiance," ^^ Thunderer," and " Vigilance," and
were employed as marines in an indecisive attack
made by Admiral Keppel on the French fleet under
Count D'O. Villiers off Ushant. On the return of
the fleet they were disembarked and marched to
Exeter.

E 2

50 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1782-94.

The corps was directed to assume the title of the
60th or West Kent Regiment on the 31st of August,
1782.*

On the 24th June, 1783, the regiment was reduced
from ten to eight companies. It embarked for
Gibraltar on the 3rd August, 1784, under the com-
mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Edmeston, and landed
on the 21st of the same month. It remained at
Gibraltar until January 1794, t when it embarked
and joined the fleet under Admiral Lord Hood in
Hyeres Bay.

Lord Hood having heard, after he had evacuated
Toulon, that the Corsicans were dissatisfied with the
French Government and straitened for food, and
having 4,000 or 6,000 soldiers on board under

• By the "Additional Force Act" of 29th June, 1804, the
county allotted to the 50th Regiment was Gloucestershire.

t The Regimental records say the 60th remained at Gibraltar
till January, 1793, when they sailed for Corsica, but the following
extract from a despatch of Admiral Lord Hood, dated March 18th,
1794, makes it evident that they sailed from Gibraltar to Hyeres
Bay.

Admiral Hood writes : " When the 60th and 61st Regiments
joined H.M. Fleet in Hyeres Bay from Gibraltar,'* <fec., Ac.

And in a letter from Lieutenant-General Dundas, dat«d St.
Fiorenzo, February 21st, 1794, he states that the 60th (with other
regiments) sailed from Hyeres on the 6th February, 1794; and as
the fleet did not go into Hyeres Bay till December 19th, 1793, the
date of leaving Gibraltar must have been January, 1794. They
could not have taken from January, 1793, to February, 1794, on
the voyage.

17W.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 51

General Dundas, determined to make an attempt to
expel the French from the island.

With this view the fleet sailed from the Bay of
Hyeres on the 24th January, 1794.

On the 5th February, 1794, the troops, consisting
of the 2nd Battalion of the Royals, 11th, 25th, 30th,
50th, and 51st regiments — in all about 1,400 — sailed
in transports escorted by 2 ships of the line and
2 frigates. They anchored in the Bay of Martello,
near St. Fiorenzo, on the 7th of that month, landed
the same evening, and took possession of a height
that overlooked the Tower of Martello.

On the 8th the fleet opened fire against the tower,
and the artillery battered it from the height; eventually
a red-hot shot set fire to some bass junk with which a
parapet was lined, and the garrison surrendered.

It was next decided to attack the Convention Re-
doubt, which was of a long narrow form, occupying
the summit of a detached height about 250 feet above
the sea, mounting 21 pieces of heavy ordnance, and
said to be the key to the bay.

On the 16th February two batteries, each of three
pieces, were, with incredible labour, dragged by the
sailors up a steep and dangerous mountain path, to a
detached hill 700 feet above the sea, commanding
and enfilading the redoubt, and opened fire upon it.

The following evening an assault was decided on.
The troops marched in three columns; and having
nearly equal distances to go, started at the same hour

THE HISTORY OP THE FIFTITEH

[1794.

1794.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 53

(8"30 p.m.) in order to arrive at the enemy^s works
a little after the rising of the moon. Lieutenant-
Colonel Moore on the right, with the 2nd battalion of
the Royals and the 51st Regiment moved on the
advanced fronts of the redoubt.

Lieutenant-Colonel Wauchope with the 50th Regi-
ment advanced towards its centre.

Captain Stewart with the 25th Regiment, keeping
close along the shore, was directed to enter on the
left.

Notwithstanding that the whole of the ground over
which the troops marched was rocky, rough, and
covered with thick myrtle, they approached the re-
doubt, under a heavy fire, without the enemy being
aware of their progress. They arrived at their re-
spective posts nearly at the same time, rushed into the
works, prevented more than two or three discharges
of cannon, and with their bayonets drove the enemy
down the steep hill which formed the rear of the
works

General Dundas, in his report on this attack, says :
*^ The conduct of Lieut.-Colonel Moore, of the several
commanding officers, and of all the officers and
soldiers, was firm and judicious, and merits every
commendation."

The loss of the 50th Regiment was — 1 private killed
and 5 wounded.

The total loss of the enemy was reported to have
been — 10 officers and upwards of 100 privates killed

64 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1794.

and wounded, and 60 prisoners, out of a garrison of
560.

The enemy, being, afraid of their retreat being cut
ofp, abandoned a strong post on the heights of For-
neli, 400 yards off, and retired to Fiorenzo, hauling
up their 2 frigates, which were afterwards sunk and
burnt.

On the 19th February Fiorenzo was evacuated, and
immediately occupied by our troops. The enemy
retreated towards Bastia, abandoning several strong
posts on the way, and taking up their position half-
way to Bastia, which is about 11 miles from Fiorenzo,
and separated from it by a ridge of mountains. The
principal defences of Bastia were four detached
masonry forts, which covered the land side, and
several batteries facing the sea. Our advanced posts
being now within 2 miles of Bastia, it was recon-
noitred by General Dundas, who considered it im-
practicable with the force under his command.
Admiral Lord Hood, however, determined to attack
it from the sea; and a certain proportion of the
troops, guns, ammunition, and stores having been
handed over to him, the remainder of our troops
were withdrawn from the mountains, the climate of
which was very cold, towards Fiorenzo. The 51st and .
69th Regiments were encamped 3 miles from the
town, the 50th half-way between them, and the rest
of the garrison, consisting of the 1st and 18th, in
the town.

1794.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 55

• On the 15th April, reinforcements having been
received, these troops, which were now under the
command of General Daubert, took post on the
heights above Bastia, leaving a small garrison at
Fiorenzo, but they appear to have taken no active
part in the siege, which surrendered to Lord Hood on
April 22nd.

On the 31st May Lieutenant-Greneral Stewart,
who had recently arrived from England, and taken
over the command of the troops, sailed in H.M.S.
" Illustrious," to reconnoitre Calvi.

On the 13th June 1,450 soldiers, exclusive of
officers, embarked at Bastia about 8 a.m. and sailed
for Martello Bay, St. Fiorenzo, at 4 p.m., con-
voyed by the ^^ Agamemnon," ^^ Dolphin," and
'^ Gorgon," under the command of Captain Horatio
Nelson ; they arrived on the 15th, and took General
Stewart on board.

At 5 p.m. on the 16th the '^ Agamemnon," '* Dol-
phin," " Lutine," and 16 transports, with the troops
under General Sir C. Stewart (which included the
50th Regiment), sailed for Calvi. They anchored on
the 17th opposite a little inlet called Porto Agro,
about 4 miles west of Cape Ravelata, and 3^ miles
from the town of Calvi. The inlet was full of sunk
rocks, 20 feet from the shore, with deep water
between and commanded by steep cliffs.

At 7 a.m. on the 19th all the troops landed, having
6 field pieces, which the sailors with great labour

THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH

[I7d4.

1794.

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

68 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1794.

dragged up the steep hills. In the afternoon 257
sailors landed from the fleet. All hands were now
busily employed getting guns, stores, &c., up the
hills and making batteries.

Reinforcements consisting of 180 of the Royal
Louis Regiment (a French emigrant corps) landed on
the 22nd, and the 18th Regiment and the flank
company of the 69th on the 26th.

At 1 p.m. on the 27th the enemy made a sortie and
attempted to turn both flanks ; they advanced under
cover of a heavy cannonade, and were at first
partly successfiJ against our Corsican allies, killing
their colonel and driving them back, but they soon
rallied and regained their position, and the French
were eventually driven back into Calvi.

The enemy's post consisted of the following bat-
teries : Monachesco, about 2,200 yalrds south-west of
the town, mounting one 18-pounder, four or five
6 and 8 pounders ; Mozello, 900 yards from the town
(west face with cavalier in centre), two heavy guns
towards the land and two towards the sea ; Fountain
battery, on the shoulder of the hill between Mozello
and San Francisco, consisting of six 18-pounders
landed from the " Melpomene," and a fascine work ;
San Francisco on the rock washed by the sea, three
18 and 24 pounders (brass guns).

On the 7th July a battery was completed within
750 yards of the Mozello. At 10 a.m. it opened fire,
and at 3 p.m. the enemy abandoned the Monachesco,

1704.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 59

which the Corsicans took possession of, but on the
8th a very heavy fire destroyed two of our 24-pounders,
damaged two 6- pounders, and greatly shook the
works ; while a shell burst in the centre of the battery
in which the general and 400 men were and blew
up the battery and magazine. These were repaired
at night and the damaged guns were replaced by
18-pounders.

On the 9th the guns of the Fountain and Mozello
batteries were silenced.

On the 10th there was a small breach in the Mozello.
On the 12th and 13th a heavy fire from San Francisco
destroyed several of our guns, but the Mozello was
now much breached. On the 15th scaling ladders
were provided, and on the 18th, the breach in the
Mozello being now very large, everything was ready
for attack, and the following disposition was made :

Colonel Wemyss, with the 18th Regiment and 2
field pieces (manned by 30 seamen) was to proceed
by the left of our six-gun battery, and with fixed
bayonets to take possession of the Fountain battery,
then to direct fire of his two pieces on San Francisco.
On this signal our three-gun battery and 2 field
pieces which were with Colonel Moore, were to fire
on the Mozello and clear the breach. Carpenters
were to go before and cut down the palisades ; some
light companies under Major Brereton were to keep
to the right of the Mozello, to cut off the retreat of
the garrison. Colonel Moore was to command the

60 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1794.

storming party of 400 men, supported by the Slst
Regiment, the 50th Regiment to the right.

From the ofBcial report of Lieutenant-General Sir
C. Stewart, the above disposition does not, however,
seem to have been adhered to. It appears from his
reports that on the 18th of July a breach appearing
to be practicable on the west side of the Mozello, a
disposition was made for a general attack upon the
outworks under cover of two batteries to be erected
during the night. From the zeal of Lieutenant-
Colonel Wauchope and the great exertions of the
50th Regiment under his command, the battery
which he undertook to construct within 300 yards
of the Mozello was completed by an hour before
daybreak, without discovery, and armed at daylight ;
a signal gun was then fired from it for the troops
to advance. Lieutenant Newhouse of the Royal
Artillery with 2 field pieces covered the approach,
and the 2nd Battalion of the Royals, under
the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, with
the 51st and 30th Regiments, proceeded with a
cool steady confidence and unloaded arms towards
the enemy, forced their way through under a smart
fire of musketry, and, regardless of live shells
flung into the breach, or the additional defence of
pikes, stormed the Mozello; while Lieutenant-Colonel
Wemyss, with the Royal Irish Regiment and 2 pieces
of cannon under Lieutenant Lemoine, Royal Artillery,
equally regardless of opposition, carried the enemy's

17M.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 61

battery on the left, and forced their trenches -without
firing a shot. The General now offered terms to the
garrison, which were declined ; but the possession of
these important works of the enemy, which were held
under the heaviest fire of shot, shell, and grape,
enabled fresh batteries of 13 guns, 4 mortars, and
3 howitzers to be thrown up within 600 yards of the
town. These opened fire on the 27th, with such
good effect that the enemy were unable to remain
at their guns, and 18 hours afterwards proposals for
a capitulation were accepted, but the terms were not
definitely agreed to until the 10th August.

The general commanding says in his despatch on
the above subject, '^The spirit, zeal, and willingness
with which this army has undergone the greatest
labour and fatigue in the most oppressive weather, is
hardly to be described."

The loss of the 50th Regiment previous to the
attack on Fort Mozello was 1 private killed and
1 wounded, and at the attack on Fort Mozello 1
private wounded. (London Gazette, 2nd September,
1794.)

At the conclusion of the siege, during which the
soldiers had suffered greatly from sickness,* the

* A letter from General Sir C. Stewart, dated Aufa^ust 9th,
1794, speaks of the wretched state of the army, which had
suffered greatly from sickness and was unable to move by land ;
and adds that it was absolutely necessary that ti*ansport for 1,600
men should be detained to convey them to Bastia. Nelson writes,

62 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1796.

British troops, including the 50th Regiment, were
removed to Bastia.

Shortly afterwards the crown of Corsica was vested
in England, and the 50th Regiment proceeded to gar-
rison Ajaccio, of which Lieutenant-Colonel Wauchope
was appointed Governor, and on the 1st May, 1795,
a letter from Sir Gilbert Elliott authorised him to call
out the militia of the neighbourhood.

In July, 1796, the French, having seized Leghorn,
were threatening Elba, and a force, under Commander
Nelson, consisting of H.M. SS. " Captain," ^^ North-
ampton,'* "Inconstant," " Petterell," "Flora," and
3 smaller vessels, the troops being under Major
Duncan, R.A., were sent to take possession of it, and
succeeded in doing so without loss.

In October, 1796, the combined French and Spanish
fleets temporarily held the command of the Mediter-
ranean, and a powertul force was directed against
Corsica by Napoleon Buonaparte. Fortunately they
did not succeed in landing together; but the in-
habitants having sided with the party that landed,
the island was no longer tenable by the small force of
British alone, and on the 19th of that month it was
evacuated, and the whole of the British troops, in-
cluding the 50th Regiment, embarked and arrived at
Porto Ferrajo, Elba, on the following evening.

ander date August 6th, 1794 : " We only keep half our seamen at
the batteries, yet we have 70 sick, and 1 sent 30 to the * Agamem-
non/ The troops are worse than ourselves by far.

1796-1800.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 63

A letter from Sir G. Elliott, October 26th 1796,
reports the complete and successful evacuation of
Corsica, and adds, *'the enemy had actually arrived
on shore, and with a superior fleet at sea, not with-
out reason, I congratulate your Grace, on the entire
success of this operation without loss or accident."

In 1797 the 50th Regiment returned to Gibraltar,
where it was recruited by drafts from other regiments,
after which it sailed for Portugal, arriving there in
June of that year. It was quartered in Fort St.
Julien, where it continued for two years. It em-
barked for Minorca in 1799, and eventually joined
Lord Keith's portion of the expeditionary force to
Egypt from that place in 1800.

CHAPTER IV.

EGYPT, 1801.

An expedition against the French in Egypt having
been decided on, the command of it was given to Sir
Ralph Abercrombie, K.C.B.

The first part of the fleet appointed to convey this
expedition sailed for Minorca on the 3rd November,
and the remainder, with Sir R. Abercrombie on
board, left on the same date for Malta, where it
arrived on the 30th November, 1800. Lord Keith,
with the division from Minorca (which now included
the 50th), joined the rest of the fleet at Malta on the
14th of December.

The first division of the fleet sailed for Marmorice
Bay on the 20th December, and arrived on the 28th.
The second division followed on the 21st December,
and arrived on the 1st January, 1801.

The sick were landed and encamped, and the
troops practised in disembarking, while the expedi-
tion waited in this fine harbour for the expected
co-operation of troops from India and gunboats from
Turkey.

. 1801.]

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

()5

"On the 8th of February a violent thunderstorm
arose, which continued for two days. The hailstones
were as large as walnuts. The camps were deluged
by a torrent two feet deep, which, pouring from the
mountains, swept everything before it. The ships
in the harbour were in disorder from driving, loss of
spars, &c., and the ' Swiftsure ' was struck by light-
ning. Language fails to convey an adequate idea of
this tempest." (Wilson s " Egypt.")

The army embarked on the 20th of February, but,
owing to the severity of the weather, it was unable
to sail until the 23rd of that month.

The expeditionary force was divided into the fol-
lowing brigades : —

Brigade of Guards.
Major-General Ludlow.

1st Brigade.
Major-General Coote.

2nd Brigade.
Major-General Craddock.

3rd Brigade.

Major-General the Earl of

Gavan.

4th Brigade.
Brigadier- General Doyle.

Coldstream Guards.
3rd Regiment do.

54th Regiment, 1st Battalion.
d4th Regiment^ 2nd Battalion.
92nd Regiment.

8th Regiment.
13th Regiment.
18th Regiment.
90th Regiment.

27th Regiment.
50th Regiment.
79th Regiment.

2iid Queen's.
30th Regiment.
44th Regiment.
89th Regiment.

GO THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1801. ,

^ , ^ . , / Stuart's Regiment.

5th Bngade. j^^ ^^y^ Regiment.

Bngadier-General Stuart. ) j^.,j^^^,^ Regiment.

!23r(l Regiment.
28th Regiment.
42n(i Regiment.
, 58th Regiment,
and

ICorsican Rangers.*
Flank Companies, 40th Regt.
* Staff Corps.

Total of rank and file, 15,370.

In addition to the above there were —

Brigadier-General Fijich. I ^^ i t^

^ ( 26th Dragoons.

The strength of the 60th Regiment, from the War
Office returns, was —

2 Majors. Rank and File.
7 Captains. 458 Fit for duty.

17 Lieutenants. 37 Sick present.

3 Ensigns. 24 Sick absent.

4 Staff.

28 Sergeants. 591 Total.

11 Drummers. -^—

Lieutenant-Colonel Rowe commanded the regiment
in the absence of Lieutenant-Colonel Walker.

* The Corsican Rangers were raised and commanded by Major
Hudson Lowe, late of the 50th Regiment and the son of an oflBcer
of that regiment. He is best known as the Governor of Elba
during the time when Napoleon was a prisoner. (See Memoirs in
Appendix.)

1801.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 67

The fleet anchored in Aboukir Bay on the 2nd of
March. Unfavourable weather prevented the landing
of troops for some days, but on the 7th the shore was
reconnoitred, and on the 8th the landing took place.

At 2 a.m. the first division of troops embarked, con-
sisting of the Reserve Brigade, the Guards Brigade,
and part of the Ist Brigade, amounting to about
5,500 men. The whole under the command of Major-
General Coote.

The 2nd Brigade and the remainder of the Ist were
placed in ships near the shore, to be in readiness as a
support.

At 9 a.m. the boats anchored about gunshot from
the shore ; and shortly afterwards the signal for
landing was made, and the boats sprang forward,
protected on each flank by gunboats.

The French, to the number of about 2,000, were
posted on the sand hills in front, in their centre a
nearly perpendicular height, on their left Aboukir
Castle. As the boats approached the shore, the enemy
opened fire on them from the heights, and from
Aboukir Castle. The quantity of shot, shel), grape
and musketry so ploughed the surface of the water,
that it seemed as if nothing on it could live. Several
of the boats were struck, some were sunk, and there
was a slight confusion ; but the majority of the boats,
pressing on through the shower of projectiles, forced
their way to the shore, when the Reserve leaped out
on the beach, forming as they advanced ; the 23rd

(>H THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1801.

and 40th Regiments rushed up the heights without
firing a shot, charging and breaking the two bat-
talions that crowned it. Then, pursuing them to the
hills in rear, they captured the position and three
pieces of cannon. The 42nd carried the height in
front of them, though exposed to the fire of 2 guns
and a battalion of infantry, and charged by 200
French dragoons, whom they repulsed.

The Guards Brigade had barely reached the shore
before they were charged by the same cavalry, which
was defeated, with the assistance of the 58th Regi-
ment. The 54th and Royals in slower boats landed
a little later, at the instant that a column of 600 of
the enemy were advancing against the left of the
Guards. These at once retreated after firing a volley.
The French now retreated from the heights, keeping
up a desultory fire from the sand hills in rear. The
day was over, but at what a cost ! 500 brave men
had paid the penalty with their lives. The French
are reported to have lost 300 men and 8 guns.

General Coote's party now took up a position three
miles in advance (towards Alexandria), and the re-
mainder of the troops landed (including the 50th
Regiment in Lord Cavan's brigade). In the general
orders of the 19th February, a battalion of marines
was ordered to land with this brigade, and to take
post between the 50th and 79th, but it did not con-
tinue to do duty with them.

On the 12th of March the whole army moved

1801.] (THE QUEEN'S OWS) REGIMENT. m

forward, and came within sight of the enemy, who
was formed on an advantageous ridge, with his right
towards the Alexandria Canal, and his left towards
the sea, barring the approach to Alexandria.

It was determined to attack the enemy's position
on the morning of the 13th, with a view to turning
his right, and on that date a movement was made to
the left in two lines, led respectively by the 90th and
92nd Regiments.

The 3rd Brigade, under Lord Cavan (who com-
manded this column), occupied an advanced position
in the left column. After a short advance, and before
they were clear of a tope of date trees, the enemy
left the heights on which they had been formed, and
moved down by their right, pouring a heavy fire of
musketry, and opening a destructive cannonade from
all their guns on the 92nd Regiment, which led the
left column and still continued the advance.

The 90th Regiment, which led the right column,
at the same time splendidly repulsed a vigorous
charge.

Sir Ralph Abercrombie's despatch says : —

*^ The troops at once changed their position with a
quickness and precision that did them the greatest
honour, and were soon in a position not only to face
but to repel the enemy."

The army continued to advance in two lines, push-
ing the enemy with the greatest vigour, until they
were compelled to put themselves under the pro-

70 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1801.

taction of the fortified heights, which form the prin-
cipal defence of Alexandria.

Sir R. Abercrombie wishing to follow up his success,
by carrying the important position that the French
had retired to, advanced across the plain, ordered
General Hutchinson, with the second line, to move
forward to the left, and secure a projecting rising
ground, and General Moore to attack the right flank
at the same time. The first line remained in the
plain rather to the right. While Sir R. Abercrombie
was reconnoitring the French from this new position,
the British troops were exposed to a most destructive
fire.* At length he decided that the position when
taken could not be maintained, and at sunset the
army was withdrawn. The British loss was about
1,100 killed and wounded.

The 50th Regiment lost : -

Lieutenant Stewart and 5 privates killed.

Ensign Rowe, 1 serjeant, 1 drummer, and 37
privates wounded.

The position now held by the British was very
strong, their right was projected for a quarter of
a mile on very high ground, and extended to the

* Colonel Wilson in his " Expedition to Egypt,** says : " While
Sir R. Abercrombie reconnoitred, the army continued nnder the
most ten'ible and destructive fire from the enemy*s guns to which
troops were ever exposed. The work of death was never more
quick, nor were greater opportunities ever aiforded for destruction.
Aim was unnecessary, the bullets could but do their office and
plunge into the lines.*'

1801.]

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

e Irene _
under GE/t^MENOU

AND

^^ the English under

' A A Redoubt taken by the Frencli.

72 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1801.

large ruins of an ancient palace, about 50 yards from
the sea. This was held by the 28th and 58th Regi-
ments, supported by the 23rd, 42nd, 40th, and
Corsican Rangers. In the intervening flat between
these heights and the right of the centre, were the
cavalry of reserve ; then the Guards on a hill, on their
left. Forming an echelon with the Guards were the
Royals, 92nd, and both battalions of the 54th; then,
also in echelon with these, were the 8th, 18th, 90th,
and 13th, and at right angles, with their left thrown
back to protect the canal, and facing the lake, were
the 27th, 79th, and 50th.

The remaining troops formed a second line. Four
cutters were stationed on the right within 150 yards
of the shore.

The labours of the army at this period were most
arduous. Guns had to be brought up, batteries con-
structed, and all the ammunition and provisions
brought from the magazine a mile and a half oflF,
through heavy sand.

About this time tents were served out.

On the 20th of March a column of the enemy was
perceived to enter Alexandria from the direction of
Lake Mareotis, and information was received from
an Arab chief that General Menou had come into
that town with a large army, and that it was his
intention to attack the British the following morning.

The British position had been strengthened by a
battery erected to the left front of the ancient palace

1801.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 73

on our right. This palace was in ruins, and the
openings into it had not been filled up. On the
right front of the Guards' position was a redoubt, and
a battery on their left, afterwards called the Citadel.
There was a redoubt on the left of our line and two
works on the Alexandria Canal.

The army was under arms as usual at 3 a.m. on
the 21st of March. All was quiet until half -past 3,
when a musket-shot was heard on the left, followed
by the report of a cannon and scattered musketry.

It was evident that an attack was imminent, and
through the dim haze of the early morning its
development was anxiously awaited.

The left of our position on the Alexandria Canal,
held by Lord Cavan's and General Craddock's
brigades, where the first alarm had been given,
was the weakest part of the whole line. There the
French Dromedary Corps had seized an isolated
redoubt (armed only with one gun) on the other
side of Lake Mareotis and the Canal, killing or
capturing all the defenders ; but it soon became
evident, from the smallness of the force employed,
that no serious attack was intended there, and,
beyond the formation of Lord Cavan's brigade on
a new line almost facing the canal, no further notice
was taken of it.

The real attack first developed itself on the right,
where in the uncertain light the enemy had crept up
close to our vedettes unperceived, and, following them

74 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1801.

up, vigorously attacked the ancient palace ; but they
were received by the 58th with so heavy a fire that
they were forced to retire. Not to be denied, how-
ever, they were joined by another column and again
advanced against the redoubt on the left face,
defended by the 28th, while a third column forced
their way in behind the redoubt, and even pene-
trated through the openings into the ruins of the
palace. At this moment the 28th and 58th Regi-
ments presented the extraordinary spectacle of troops
successfully defending themselves against an attack
on front, flanks, and rear.

The 23rd Regiment now came to the assistance of
the 5Bth, and the 42nd to that of the 28th. As the
42nd approached the redoubt they were vigorously
charged and broken by the enemy's cavalry, but
though broken they retreated fighting, mixed up
with the enemy, until relieved by the 40th Regi-
ment.

It was here that Sir Ralph Abercrombie received
the wound from which he died on. the 28th, though
he retained the command to the end.

Simultaneously with this attack, the French had
advanced against the position held by the Guards on
the right centre. Observing their echelon formation
the French general attempted to turn their left, but
General Coote at once advanced his brigade and the
attack was eflfectually repulsed.

Beaten at all points the enemy retired about

1801.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 75

10 a.m. ; fortunately for them nearly all tlie British
artillery ammunition and most of the musketry (the
28th at one time had to throw stones) was exhausted.
As it was, they left behind them a standard, . two
guns, and 1,700 killed and wounded, of whom 1,040
were buried on the battlefield in the course of the next
two days. It is calculated that, including prisoners,
their loss must have amounted to nearly 4,000,
amongst whom were most of their principal officers.

Tlie loss of the English was 6 officers and 233 men
killed, 60 officers and 1,190 men wounded, and 3
officers and 29 men missing.* The English tents
were torn to pieces by the shot, and thousands of
brass cannon balls were left glistening in the sand.

The 50th Regiment had 4 officers wounded, viz.,
Captain Ogilvy, Lieutenants Campbell and Tilsley,
and Ensign Rowe ; 1 private killed, and 2 sergeants
and 35 privates wounded, t

* General Moore, though wounded in the leg early in the
action, continued to command till the end, and Brigadier- General
Oakes followed his example.

t The amount of wounded of the 50th Regiment seems out of
proportion to the share they took in the action, the left never
having been seiiously attacked. They were, however, on the
extreme left of the whole line, and probably provided the garrison
of the isolated fort beyond the canal which was taken by the
French at the commencement of the action. They were, at any
rate, the nearest troops to it all through the action and the most
exposed to its fii*c.

This fort was taken by the French Corps of Dromedaries (278
men) and 30 cavalry.

7« THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1801.

Lieutenaut-General Lord Hutchinson now assumed
command.

The army though victorious was^ numerically infe-
rior to the garrison at Alexandria ; the fleet which
assisted them was obliged to proceed to sea in rough
weather, and the amount of ground included in the
British lines was too extensive for efficient defence;
it was, therefore, reluctantly decided to cut the canal
of Alexandria, which would inundate all the low-
lying lands to the south of Alexandria and partly
isolate that city.

On the 13th of April this work was successfully
completed, and the immense body of water continued
flowing in for a month.

Already, on the 7th of April, Rosetta* (which had
been attacked by a force composed of the 68th Regi-
ment, 40th flank companies, 30 men of Hompesch's
Hussars, with 8 cannon and 4,000 Turkish soldiers, f
under Colonel Spencer) had fallen, and Fort Julien,
between that place and the sea, and El Hamid, on
the Nile to the south of it, had been besieged.

The success of the inundation enabled Lord
Hutchinson to weaken his force before Alexandria,
and on the 13th of April the 18th, 90th, and 79th
Regiments, and a detachment of cavalry, marched to
join Colonel Spencer, and were followed, on the l7th,

* Lieut.-Colonel Wauchope, 50th Regiment, was killed here,
t A Turkish force of 6,000 men joined the English on the 26th
of March.

1801.]

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

by the 30th and 89th, Generals Craddock and Doyle
being appointed to the command.

Fort St. Julien surrendered on the 19th, after a
brave defence.* This secured the command of the
Nile.

On the 5th of May the main army marched in two
columns.

The advanced guard consisted of Colonel Spencer's
brigade.

New brigades as follows were now formed : —

The 11th Light Dragoons.
The Corsican Rangers.
40th Flank Companies.
The Queen^s.
58th Regiment

8th Regiment
18th Regiment.
79th Regiment
90th Regiment.
12th Dragoons
and Detachment of 26th

1st Regiment
50th Regiment.
92nd Regiment
30th Regiment.

Colonel Spencer.

/ Genei-al Craddock.

General Doyle.

The Turkish army 4,000 strong, under Caia Bey,
with 12 field pieces and 8 Turkish guns, also several

* Abonkir Castle had surrendered on the 18th. The garrison
of Fort St. Julien consisted of 268 men, of which all except 160
were invalids.

78 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1801.

Turkish gun- vessels and English armed and com-
inisariat dgerms,* under Captain Stevenson, R.N.,
accompanied this force up the Nile.

General Coote with the remaining troops was left
in command of the army before Alexandria.

A column consisting of tlie 89th Regiment, 20th
Dragoons, and a body of Arnauts, amounting in
all to about 1,200 men under Colonel Stuart, had
been ordered to cross the Nile below Berimbal on
the 4th, and to conform to the movements of the
two columns of the main army; one of which
marched along the Nile, the other by the shore of
Lake Etko. The army halted on the 6th May in
rear of Deroute, and Colonel Stuart's column
advanced to a position between Sindien and Foua.
Some Turks were sent forward to occupy the latter
town, which the French evacuated, escaping to
El Aft on the other side of the Nile.

On the 7th El Aft was abandoned, Colonel Stuart's
position completely commanding the enemy's rear ;
and out of four French gunboats which attempted
to escape, one only succeeded in doing so j two
being sunk, and one being blown up. Here was
found a paper containing authentic information of
the number of the French infantry opposing the
British advance, namely, 3,331 ; and here also,

* A dgerm must have been the equivalent of the dahabeiahs
that are used on the Nile at the present day.

1801.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 79

the cavalry reinforcement, which had been promised
by the Grand Vizier, joined. Two thousand had
been promised, but only 600 joined, and these were
half-naked, wretchedly mounted, and badly disci-
plined.

On the morning of the 9th the army marched
towards Rhamanieh, Stuart's column moving to
Dousoug with the 89th leading.* He was attacked
by a column of about 300 of the enemy, and waited
for the co-operation of the gunboats, detained by
absence of wind. He soon, however, continued to
advance, the 89th, with great gallantry, lining the
bank of the Nile in spite of heavy discharges of
grape, and thereby preventing the escape of over
70 French dgerms, which attempted to pass but
were forced back. Finally, this column took up a
position opposite the French fort, the 89th in the
centre, and the Turks on each flank.

About 4 o'clock in the afternoon Lord Hutchinson,
thinking that the enemy might attempt to retreat
towards Alexandria, moved the army forward to the
Alexandria Canal; the Turks moving forward with
their left on the Nile. The English infantry line,
with their left refused, so as to align on the Turkish
formation, consisted of General Doyle's brigade (of
which the 50th occupied the left centre) on the
left, General Craddock's in the centre, and Colonel

* In this and the movement up the Nile the sheiks greatly
assisted the advanced column with information and supplies.

THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH

[1801.

1801.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 81

Spencer's on the right, with his flank regiment,
the Queen's, in column in rear of the right.

The French cavalry took up a position to contest
the passage of the canal.

General Lord Hutchinson, now informed of the
position of Colonel Stuart's column on the reverse
of the French forts, ordered a battery to be con-
structed during the night that would render this
work untenable, and awaited the result in the
position he had taken up.

His troops were under arms before daylight on
the 10th, and as soon as day dawned they moved
to occupy the positions appointed for attack. But
before anything had been done, an officer came over
from Colonel Stuart's column, to say that the fort
at Rhamanieh had surrendered.

At 3 p.m. that day the French garrison of 110
men marched out ; the remainder of their force
having retreated towards Cairo.

It was noted that the plague was in the village of
Rhamanieh, and all were forbidden to enter it.

The loss of the British in this affair was 4 officers
wounded, 6 men killed, and 19 wounded. The Turks
lost a larger number, and the French about 100.
Their number had been augmented from Alexandria;
and it was ascertained that their force consisted of
4,000 infantry and 800 cavalry, with 33 guns.

The difficult question now arose, whether it would
be better to advance against Cairo, or to retire and
besiege Alexandria.

82 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1801.

There were great difficulties in the way of the first
proposition ; the men were already suffering from the
plague, dysentery, and opthalmia, the commissariat
difficulties would be great, and only salt meat could
be obtained, the heat was intense, and the shoes of
the men were worn out.

But, on the other hand, a Turkish army under the
Grand Vizier was marching from Damietta to co-
operate with us on Cairo, and a force of Indian troops
under General Baird was expected from Suez. Not
to advance might have caused these forces to be
defeated in detail; while, without their assistance,
the siege of Alexandria would be difficult and
tedious.

It was, therefore, decided to march on Cairo. On
the morning of the 11th May the army advanced;
the entrenched camp at Rhamanieh being handed
over to a garrison of 300 Turks.

The captured d germs were employed in the trans-
port of stores, and in carrying the men's knapsacks,
for up to this point officers and men had carried
everything themselves.

The army reached Kaffa Haudeig on the morning
of the 12th. A sirocco was blowing, which parched
the troops almost to suffi)cation, and the dgerms
could not proceed. A short halt had therefore to be
made. The British force reached Shabour, Sowaff,
and Algam on the 14th, 15th, and 16th respectively.

On the 14jth a valuable convoy, which had come

1801.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 83

down the canal of Menouf , was captured ; and on the
l7th a still more important convoy was taken, escorted
by 569 men — infantry, cavahy, and artillery, includ-
ing 120 of the dromedary corps, one four-pounder,
and 550 camels. These latter were most valuable.
That evening the escort of the convoy embarked for
Rosetta, en route for France.

Intelligence was received this day that the army
of the Grand Vizier had defeated the French on the
16th at El Hanca ; but, although defeated with a loss
of 300 killed and wounded, they were enabled to
retreat in good order on Cairo.*

The Turkish army now moved to Bennerhasset on
the Damietta branch of the Nile, which brought it
in touch with Lord Hutchinson's command.

On the 21st of May Colonel Stuart's column
marched from Menouf to Birchamps ; and at the
latter village an interview took place between the
Grand Vizier and Lord Hutchinson.

On the 1st of June the main army arrived at
Mishlei; and officers of the artillery and engineers
were sent back to Rosetta, to expedite the heavy
artillery, &c., required for the siege of Cairo. Here

* The French force, which was estimated at 4,600 infantry
900 cavalry, and 24 guns, appears to have been the garrison of
Bhamanieh retreating to Cairo.

Aa the Turkish army under the Grand Vizier amounted to
15,000 men, it ought not to have been difficult to cut the French
force off from Cairo, when being between two armies and without
supplies it must have surrendered.

84 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1801.

the leader of the Mamelukes visited Lord Hutchin-
son, and assured him of the adhesion of his following.

The army now steadily advanced ; the English
army on the west bank, and the Gmnd Vizier's army,
which Colonel Stuart's column had now joined, on
the east bank of the Nile ; and on the 15th June we
find the former at Tanash, and the latter at Bassous.

On this date, Lord Hutchinson sent a summons to
suri'ender to the commandant at Cairo, who refused
to enter into any negotiations.

On the 16th* a bridge of boats was commenced over
the Nile at Shuha, to complete the communication
between the two armies.

On the 19th, the Vizier's army moved forward
within gunshot of Cairo, and the first works against
that town were established between Elwoine and
Elmini. In rear of the latter, Colonel Stuart's brigade
was afterwards posted.

The English army advanced to within a mile and
a half of the Giza suburb of Cairo on the 21st,
encamping in two lines ; and the Mamelukes drove in
a cavalry piquet, and occupied the village of Sachat-
michle, within 800 yards of the works of that place.

* Colonel Wilson's expedition to Egypt, says on this date :
" A sirocco wind darkened the atmosphere with a burning mist,
the thermometer was 120° in the shade, and the ground was
heated like the floor of a furnace." He also says, " On the 16th
the garrison of Cairo fired a feu de joie from all their gnus,
which afterwards turned out to be in honour of * the capture of
Ireland/"

1801.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 85

Night and day, the greatest exertions were now
made to drag up the heavy cannon, and the requisite
ammunition.

The 28th and 42nd Regiments arrived at this
period from Rosetta under General Hope. General
Moore and Brigadier-General Oakos (who had re-
covered from their wounds) also accompanied these
troops. *

On the 22nd of June, a French officer came in with
a flag of truce asking for a conference ; and, in con-
sequence, General Hope met the French General
Moran under the trees near Giza. The French
general stating that he was instructed to negotiate
for an evacuation of Cairo, a committee was formed
on both sides to arrange details. This committee
met on the 23rd and following days. The articles of
capitulation were agreed to, on the 26th.

On the 23rd a cessation of hostilities was pro-
claimed, and on the 27th the articles of capitulation
were signed. (See Appendix for articles of capitu-
lation.)

The French evacuated Cairo during the night of
the 10th June, and Colonel Stuart at once occupied
the citadel with the 89th Regiment.

At daybreak on the 15th, the French totally
evacuated Giza, and, with the allied army, began
their march for Rosetta in the following order :

The Turkish army preceded, the British followed,

♦ See note on page 75,

86 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1801.

then the French army with flanking parties of their
own cavalry on their left. The English cavalry and
the Mamelukes brought up the rear.

The command of the army devolved on General
Moore, General Hutchinson remaining behind, to
settle arrangements for the government of Egypt,

General Craddock was too unwell to proceed with
the army.

The Indian and Cape contingents, parts of which
had arrived at Cossir, on the Red Sea, in June, were
ordered to march across the Desert to Cairo. General
Moore's force proceeded uneventfully to Rosetta, the
French forming every night three sides of a square
(the Nile being the fourth), with their artillery and
baggage in the centre.

At D&oute the French army took the lead in order
to be in readiness for embarkation. The whole force
encamped at El Hamed, four miles from Rosetta on
the 28th; the next day Lord Hutchinson arrived
from Cairo, and on the Slst the first division of the
Trench army embarked at the caravansary (at the
entrance to Lake Etko) for France.* But the whole
embarkation was not completed till the 7th July.

General Coote's division had remained before
Alexandria, having been strengthened early in July
with reinforcements from England, consisting of the

* The French embarkation returns show a strength of 13,764
men, including civilians and auxiliaries, but exclusive of women
and children.

1801.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 87

22nd Dragoons, a detatchment of Guards, the 20th,
24th, 25th, and 26th Regiments, the Irish Fencibles,
the foreign levies of Waterville (Swiss), and the
Chasseurs Britannique, with drafts for several regi-
ments.

The only event of importance that had occurred, was
a further cutting of the Alexandria Canal by the French
on the 20th June, so as to extend the inundation, and
contract the front for siege operations against Alex-
andria. This General Coote met by constructing a
dam parallel with the canal 150 yards long, the ex-
tremities of which rested on the higher ground. This
dam could only be constructed during the night, and
took nearly a month to complete.

General Doyle's brigade from Cairo (which included
the 50th Regiment) marched into the camp before
Alexandria on the 11th July, and was followed by
General Moore with the Reserve on the 13th. On that
date English and Turkish gunboats forced their way,
through the inundation in Lake Aboukir on to Lake
Mareotis, compelling the French boats to take refuge
near the shore.

General Hutchinson arrived on the 15th, and pre-
parations were at once made to besiege also the
western side of Alexandria.

With this object, boats provisioned for three days
were assembled on the inundation to the left of our
position, and a division was embarked under Major-
General Coote on the evening of the 16th, composed

88 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1801.

of the Guards, the 25th, both battalions of the 27th,
the 44th, the 26th, two battalions of the 54th, and
100 of the 26th Dragoons — in all about 4,000 men.
These sailed during the night.

The 50th, the 92nd, and the 30th Regiments were
ordered to make a diversion on the eastern side at
daybreak next morning, with which General Moore
was to co-operate.

General Doyle, who had been ill at Rosetta, at
once returned, and took over the command of his
brigade, which was ordered to form the left column,
and attack the Green Hill on the right of the French
position. The 30th Regiment was to move against
the advanced work on the left, the 60th against that
on the right, and the 79th were to remain in reserve
at the foot of the hill.

General Moore, with the right column, was at the
same time to attack the Nole Hill on the right of the
enemy's position.

Both columns took up their respective posts with
very little opposition, and General Moore having
reconnoitred the enemy's position fi'om the Nole
Hill, found that it was untenable, and withdrew his
column.

As soon as the French found their piquets attacked,
they expected an assault on Alexandria and beat to
arms, commencing a heavy fire, which was continued
without intermission for three hours, although doing
little damage.

1801.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 89

About seven o'clock, a body of some 600 French
rapidly advanced, against that part of the Green Hill
held by the 30th Regiment. The men of that regi-
ment had been ordered to shelter themselves, from
the heavy fire in the ditches of the works, and in the
inequalities of the ground. They were thus scat-
tered, when the French began the ascent of the Green
Hill, supported by a heavy fire of shell, round shot,
and grape, from all their batteries.

The 30th Regiment, directly they became aware
of this attack, sounded the assembly. Then 170
rank and file were collected, and, as the French
column had nearly gained the top, Colonel Lock-
hart,* commanding the regiment, without waiting
for orders, at once ordered a charge, completely
routing the enemy, who left 10 prisoners and 100
killed and wounded behind.

Directly General Doyle perceived this movement
of the enemy, he ordered the advance of the 50th and
92nd regiments, but the distance they had to pass
over, was too great for them to render much assist-
ance.

In the meantime. General Coote's division had
sailed towards Marabou, and, finding the promontory
of land near there occupied by the French, he landed
about three miles further on.

* Colonel Spencer who had been in command of the brigade
dnring General Doyle's absence, was present with the 30th
Regiment.

90 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1801.

That evening the French, seeing the allied gun-
boats prepared to attack them, abandoned their own
gunboats, which they attempted to blow up. Five of
them, however, were saved and captured.

During the night of the 17th, trenches were opened
against the Fort of Marabou, on an islet separated
from the main land by a reef of rocks 150 yards
long, fordable except in the centre.

It consisted of a regular fort, with a tower in the
centre.

About 12 o'clock in the morning of the 20th the
tower of Marabou fell, and a storming party was
told oflf to attack the fort ; but a summons to sur-
render was first sent, which, after some delay, was
agreed to.

General Coote advanced his division towards Alex-
andria at 6 a.m. on the 22nd. He divided his army
into three lines, marching in three columns of half
brigades.

The right column moved along the fiat between the
lake and the range of hills, on which a French force
under General Eppler was posted ; the centre was
directed on the hills, and the left column on the flat
near the sea. Two hundred of the Guards formed the
advanced guard, and the Dragoons, with six guns,
marched in rear of the left. Captain Stevenson, with
the allied gunboats, moved on the right.

The French opened a heavy fire from all their
guns, the British pieces replied, and the army con-

1801.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 91

tinuing to advance, the French retreated to the
ridge in rear, abandoning a heavy gun.

Though galled by musketry and grape, General
Coote still pressed on till within 1,400 yards of
Alexandria, the French abandoning their tents and
baggage in their hasty retreat.

On hearing of the success of General Coote, Lord
Hutchinson ordered Colonel Spencer, with 1,500
men, to join him,* and, as the boats could not be
got ready till night, Lord Hutchinson, fearing a
sortie on General Coote's division, ordered men from
General Moore's and General Craddock's brigades to
make a false attack, by crawling up in the dark as
near Alexandria as possible, and firing into the
works. This ruse was completely successful ; the
French beat to arms, and kept up a heavy fire till
daylight, with a resultant loss to the English of only
one man killed and one wounded.

Two batteries were opened on the redoubt *^ Des
Bains" (western side) on the 25th, and that evening
the 20th Regiment, with a detachment of dragoons,
gallantly cut off the French piquet in front of that
work.

On the morning of the 26th, the English batteries
at the eastward side (on the Green Hill), opened
against the right of the French position.

That evening General Menou sent his fii'st aide-de-

* Colonel Spencer was second in command of General Doyle's
division!

92 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1801.

camp to ask for an armistice for three days, in order
to arrange terms of capitulation. This was granted ;
but at the expiration of the three days a further
extension for thirty -six hours was asked for ; this
being declined, an extension till 2 o'clock the next
afternoon was asked for and granted. At the expira-
tion of this time an aide-de-camp brought the articles,
many of which were refused, and at 11 o'clock that
night the aide-de-camp returned with the articles
agreed to, as corrected by General Hutchinson.

The next day, August 31st, General Hope went
into Alexandria and signed the articles of capitula-
tion, which Lord Keith also signed on the part of the
Navy, on 2nd of September. (See Appendix.)

The total number that surrendered, including
civilians, amounted to 11,213.

At 11 o'clock on the 3rd of September, the grena-
diers of the army in three columns, with drums beating
and colours flying, took possession of Alexandria.

General Baird, with the Indian army, had now
arrived from Cairo, and was encamped at Abouman-
dour, near Rosetta.

The thanks of Parliament were voted to those
gallant and meritorious officers, who had so ably and
eminently distinguished themselves throughout the
war*

The expedition to Egypt having been happily
terminated, the embarkation of a division of the
army, under General Craddock, was decided on.

1801.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 93

The troops ordered to be embarked were the 1st
18th, 30th, 44th, 60th, and 89th, amounting to 5,031
men. The first division of these, consisting of the
Ist, 30th, and 89th, embarked at Aboukir on the
10th September, and sailed on the 12th. On the
15th of that month, however, Lord William Bentinck
arrived with despatches from England, which altered
the destination of this force.

The 50th Regiment, therefore, proceeded to Malta
on the 17th of October.

Here it received drafts from various regiments, and
Lieutenant-Colonel Walker took over the command.

The regiment returned to Ireland, landing in Cork
on the 4th May, 1802.*

A second battalion was formed at Colchester on the
1st of October, 1804, under Lieutenant-Colonel Rowe.

New colours were received by the regiment at the
end of 1804, bearing for the first time ^^ the Spliynx'^
and the word '^ Egypt" on them.

The old colours were then brought out and burnt,
in front of the first battalion, with military honours.

Copenhagen.
The Emperor Napoleon having made himself master

* As the 50th Regiment are said to have obtained the nick-
name of the " blind half -hundred," from the amount of men who
suffered from opthalmia in this campaign, it will be interesting to
note that on the capitulation of Cairo, a return gives the number
of men of the English army who had totally lost their sight from
this disease on that date as 160 while 200 had lost one eye.

94 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1807.

of the continent, a design was attributed to him of
massing all the European navies, for the subjugation
of England.

Under the circumstances the British Government
took the bold resolution of securing possession of the
Danish fleet until the conclusion of the war. It was
hoped at first that this might have been accomplished
by diplomacy, but it was eventually found necessary
to besiege Copenhagen and capture the fleet.

The sea defences of Copenhagen consisted at this
time of a battery built on piles at the entrance of the
canal, an arsenal and harbour, moxmting 68 guns,
besides mortars ; another pile battery in front of the
citadel, mounting 86 guns and 9 mortars; and the
citadel, which mounted 20 guns and 12 mortars.
There were also block ships, floating batteries, and
from 25 to 30 gunboats, all ready for action, whilst
in the arsenal lay a fleet of 16 sail of the line and
21 frigates and sloops, besides three 74's on the
stocks, one being nearly ready for launching. (Cust*s
'' Annual of the War.")

The Ist battalion of the 50th Regiment embarked
at the Cove of Cork for Ramsgate on the 6th of June,
1807. The regiment proceeded from Ramsgate to
Deal, where all the eflEective men of the 2nd battalion
were drafted into it.

It re-embarked on the 25th July under the com-
mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Walker, and sailed with
the expedition under Lord Cathcart for Copenhagen,

1807.]

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

landing at Charlotte Land (near tlie capital) in the
island of Zealand on the 16th August, and marching
by the coast to Carlottenburg.

The 50th was brigaded with the 32nd and 82nd
Regiments under Major-General Spencer, and formed
part of the 2nd brigade of the 2nd division, under
Lieulenant-General Sir David Baird.

At daybreak on the 17 th of August, the three
British columns marched by their right, to invest the
town and fortress of Copenhagen.

Major-General Spencer's brigade being on the left
of the British line,* was attacked by the enemy about

* Lord Cathcart ^writes : " Lieutenant- Colonel Smith with tho
82nd held tho post at the Windmill, the most exposed to fire from
the gunhoats and to sorties."

It is probable that the 82nd as the junior regiment of the
brigade occupied the centre, and the 50th Regiment as the second
senior would have been on the left, and as Major-General
Spencer's brigade was on the left of the British line. The 50th
Regiment would thus have been on the extreme left of the whole
line.

The following is a return of the strength of the Regiment at
Copenhagen (War Office Returns) :

Lieutenant-Colonel -

Surgeon - - -

Majors -

Assistant Surgeons -

Captains -

Sergeants

- 48

Lieutenants -

Drummers

- 21

Ensigns - - -

Privates - - -

- 840

Paymaster

Present - - - ^

ui 28

Adjutant-

Absent - - - J

V 55

Quartermaster

On Command -

- 29

Total

. 952

96 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1807.

noon on the above date, and the Danish gunboats
cannonaded them with grape and round shot. The
piquets however drove in and pursued the enemy,
and afterwards resumed their posts.

Works at the Mill were commenced against the
town on the 19th, and carried on by working parties
of 600 men, relieved every 4 hours.

On this date also the foundry and dep6ts of cannon
of Frederichswork were taken by surprise.

On the 20th a force of the enemy's cavalry and
infantry, having been observed by the piquets of the
left, they were driven in and pursued to the gates, of
Roeskild.

The trenches were pushed forward on the 21st,
and a new battery erected 300 yards in advance.
Lord Rosslyn's corps of the King's German Legion
landed in Kioge Bay, and took part in the second
line on that date.*

The army was under arms at 3 a.m. on the 24th,

The following officers of the 50th Regiment held posts on the
staff:

Lieutenant-Colonel George Tucker, D. A. A. G.
Captain Henry Riddle, A. Q. M. G.
Captain Charles Piatt \

„ Thomas Snow I

Lieutenant John Kent / Acting Assistant Commissaries.

„ George Armstrong ]

Gent. W. H. Pitkin •'

* Lord Rosslyn's Division consisted of eight battalions of the
King's German Legion and one independent company, Major-
General Von Drechsel being second in command.

1807.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 97

when a general advance was made against the
enemy's works. The British centre taking post oii
the heights near the town, the enemy's jnquets were
driven in, and the Brigade of Guards occupied the
summits. Sir D. Baird's division, to which the 50th
Regiment belonged, turned and carried a redoubt
which the enemy had been constructing some time,
and which was that niglit converted into a work
against them. Part of the suburbs of the town were
set on fire by the enemy.

The old works were now abandoned, and a new
line of works commenced within 800 yards of the
town, and still nearer on the flanks.

On the 26th the enemy's gunboats made an attack
on the left of our position, but were driven back by
our batteries at the Windmill. An unsuccessful sortie
was also attempted.

The Danish army having now approached. Sir A.
Wellesley's division attacked and defeated it on the
29th, taking many prisoners, cannon, and stores.

The enemy attempted a sortie before sunrise on the
night of the 31st, our batteries being nearly com-
pleted, and two-thirds of the ordnance mounted.

They were promptly engaged and repulsed by the
piquets of the 50th Regiment, commanded by Lieu-
tenant Light ; which, arousing all the other piquets,
the enemy was compelled to retire with loss. General
Baird, commanding the division, was twice wounded
in the above, but did not quit the field. Lieutenant

98 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH REGIMENT. [1807.

Light was promoted to a company on the 14th for his
conduct in this affair.

The mortar and other batteries having been com-
pleted, the place was surrounded on the 1st of Sep-
tember, and capitulated on the 7th.

The loss of the 50th Regiment to the 31st of
August was, 1 private killed. Ensign Bilson and 15
privates wounded.

In October a brigade was formed, consisting of a
light brigade of Artillery, and the 23rd, 50th, and
79th Regiments, under Major- General Spencer, to
assist the King of Sweden ; but he having declined
the proposed aid, they returned with the rest of the
army to England, and the 50th Regiment landed at
Deal in November, 1807.

CHAPTER V.

VIMIERO.

The first battalion of the 50th {'' The Queen's Own")
Regiment embarked under sealed orders at Ports-
mouth on the 17th of December, 1807, under the com-
mand of Major-General George Townsend Walker,
upwards of 1,000 strong*

They formed part of a brigade consisting of the
29th, 32nd, 50th, and 82nd Regiments, under the
command of Major-General Sir Brent Spencer.. The
transports conveying the regiments encountered so
severe a storm in the Bay of Biscay that the fleet
was scattered, some of the vessels turning back to
Plymouth, and other ports ; the vessels which carried
the head-quarters taking refuge at Messina. The
whole Regiment eventually assembled at Gibraltar.

The ^* Queen's Own" again embarked and sailed
for Cadiz on the 13th of May, 1808. They were
present with the blockading fleet outside the harbour
when the Spaniards opened fire on the French fleet
within, and compelled them to surrender. The

100 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1808.

regiment afterwards landed at Port St. Mary's, and
remained on shore for a week. Re-crabarking on the
22nd July, they sailed for Portugal and landed at
Figueras at the mouth of the Mondego river.

The 50th were now brigaded with the 45th and
9l8t Regiments, under the command of General
J. Catlin-Crawford.

The first skirmish with the enemy, under General
La Borde, took place at Briloa, near Obidos, on the
15th of August. On the 17th the light company of
the regiment, under Captain Harrison, was engaged
with the enemy and behaved with great gallantry.
The same day the British army, under the command
of Sir Arthur Wellesley, advanced against the strong
position which General La Borde had taken up at
Rorica. On that occasion the central attack, under
Sir Arthur Wellesley himself, was composed of Hill's,
Nightingale's, and Fane's brigades, with J. Catlin-
Crawford's brigade (which included the 50th Regiment)
in reserve. The position was stubbornly defended ;
but though the enemy were eventually compelled to
retreat, the victory cost us nearly 500 killed, taken,
and wounded, out of about 4,000 men engaged.

Sir Arthur Wellesley now moved on Vimiero to
cover the disembarkation of troops. Here a new
commander-in-chief (Sir Harry Burrard), who for-
bade any offensive movement, having arrived. Sir
Arthur Wellesley was compelled to remain at
Vimiero.

THE SEA

P. 101

1808.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 101

The 43rd and 50tli Regiments, and the 95th Rifle
Corps, were formed into a light brigade, under the
command of General Fane. The early morning of
the 21st discovered the enemy, who had concentrated
his troops under Marshal Junot, advancing to the
attack. At 7 a.m. on that date the advanced guard
of the French horse was seen to crown the heights to
the southward, followed by a force of infantry pre-
ceded by other cavalry. Column succeeded column
in order of battle, moving along the road from Torres
Vedras to Lourinham.

At this juncture the British army occupied the
following position: — 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 8th
Brigades on our right on a mountain which, com*
mencing on the coast, swept in a half-circle close
behind the right of the Vimiero Hill, and partly
commanded it. This was terminated on its left
by a deep ravine dividing it from another strong
and narrow range of heights, over which the
road from Vimiero to Lourinham passed. In
front of this ravine, forming, as it were, the apex
of a triangle of which these two ranges formed
the sides, was the Vimiero Hill. Some little dis-
tance behind this, and in the deep ravine above
mentioned, stood the village of Vimiero on the little
river Maceira. Here also were the pare and com-
missariat stores.

The right of this hill was held by General Fane^s
brigade, of which the 50th Regiment occupied the

102 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1808.

centre, the left being held by General Anstiuther's
brigade. General Fane's left rested on a church-
yard, blocking the road which led over this height to
Vimiero. The 5th Brigade, and Portuguese, were on
the recurve towards the coast of the left range of hills.

As the advance of the French on the Torres Vedras
road did not threaten our right, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th,
and 8th Brigades* were moved across the ravine
from the right to the left range of heights, leaving on
the right range only the 1st Brigade under General
Hill. This left General Fane's brigade on the
extreme right, except General Hill's brigade, which
was on the other side of the ravine and of the river
Maceira, General Fane's brigade being considerably
in advance.

The ground between the French and English
armies was so wooded and broken, that . after the
French had passed the ridge where they had first
been descried, no correct view of their movements
could be obtained. They had 14,000 fighting men
organized in four divisions. Generals La Borde and
Brennicr were directed against our left and centre ;
but, becoming entangled in the ravines, the disposition
was imperfectly carried out; and another brigade,
under General Solignac, was ordered to turn our left.
General Kellerman moved with the reserve of grena-

* General Fane had under his command on this occasion the
60th Rifles, 4 companies of the 95th Regiment, and the 50th
Regiment.

1808.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 103

diers behind General Loisson to attack our right
(the Vimiero Hill).

Generals Loisson and La Borde now formed one
principal and two secondary attacks against the
Vimiero Hill. One of these secondary attacks ad-
vanced against Anstruther's brigade. The other
endeavoured to penetrate by the road, which passed
between the ravine and the church on Fane's left,
while a massive column under General Loisson,*
consisting of five regiments in close order of half
battalions, and preceded by artillery, dashed against
our right, or that part of the Vimiero Hill which was
now only held by the 50th Regiment, one company
of the 95th f Regiment, and three guns under Lieut. -

* Sir William Napier, in his " History of the War in the
Peninsula," sajs : " The main column under La Borde, preceded
bj a multitude of light troops, mounted the face of the hill with
great fury and loud cries. The English skinnishcrs were forced
back upon the lines ; and the French masses reached the summit,
but shattered by the terrible fire of Rode*s artillery and breathless
from their exertions. In this state, being first struck with
musketry at the distance of half pistol shot, they were charged
in front and flank by the 50th Regiment and ovei^thrown."

The despatch of Colonel Walker, however, of October 17th,
1812, is so minute in the description of this column taken from an
order of battle signed by Chariot, a brigadier of the 7th French
Division, which was found on a French colonel who was killed in
the action (and was afterwards confirmed to Colonel Walker by
General Loisson himself), that I am compelled to adopt his
statement that this column was commanded by General Loisson
and not by General La Borde.

t The other companies of the 95th had been ordered away.

104 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1808.

Colonel Robe, Royal Artillery. The GOth Rifles and
three companies of the 95th, which had originally
also defended this part of the hill, had been moved
away prior to the attack.

The country was overspread with vineyards, inter-
spersed with chestnut and olive trees, thick woods in
the distance forming a background.

In advance of the regiment, and on lower ground,
was a piquet under the command of Captain Thomas
Snow, 50tli Regiment. About 8 o'clock, the fire
becoming heavy, this piquet was reinforced by two
other companies of the regiment under Captain Coote.
In this position the piquets were exposed to a very
heavy fire, and Captain Coote having been shot through
the heart, and Captain Snow having been detached
to occupy some woods on the left, the command de-
volved on Lieutenant Mark Rudkin, who now gave
orders to letire ; and the piquets, extending to the
right and left, fell back under a shower of bullets.
Taking advantage of the shelter of olive-trees and
vines, and alternately firing and retreating, they
eventually gained a rising ground a little in advance
of the rest of the battalion, where their excellent fire
contributed in the sequel very materially to the
success of the action, by attracting the attention of
the enemy to that flank during the manoeuvres per-
formed on our right. In consequence of the absence
of these three companies, the left wing of the regi-
ment was necessarily extended with intervals. It

1803.] (THE QUEEN^S OWN) REGIMENT. 106

occupied the most commanding ground to cover the
passage to the town.

This was the position hold by tlio 50th Regiment
when General Loisson directed his main column, up-
wards of 5,000 strong, against that part of the hill
lield by tlie Regiment, which did not muster 900 men.
General Anstruther's brigade on our left was at the
time so fully occupied with General Kellerman's
attack that it was unable to give any assistance.

General Loisson's attack is so ably described in the
despatch * of Colonel G. T. Walker, commanding the
regiment, of October 17th, 1812 (O.R.R.), that I
cannot do better than give it in his words.

^* A massive column of the enemy composed of five
regiments in close order of half battalions, supported
by seven pieces of cannon, and under the command
of the general of division, Loisson, made a rapid
march towards the hill, and though much shaken by
the steady fire of the artillery, after a short pause
behind a hedge to recover, it again continued to
advance ; till Lieutenant-Colonel Robe, R.A., no
longer able to use the guns, considered them lost.
Up to this time the 50th had remained at ordered
arms, but as it was impossible, on the ground on

• I have had to make slight corrections, altering evident
clerical errors, in order to make the meaning intelligible. It will
be noted that the despatch, though signed by Colonel Walker,
speaks of him in the third person. I tried to find the original
despatch in the Record Office, but was unable to do so. Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Walker was Brevet-Major- General.

106 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1808.

which it stood, to contend against so superior a force,
and Colonel Walker, having observed that the enemy's
column inclined to the left, proposed to Brigadier-
General Fane to attempt to turn its flank by a wheel
of the right wing. Permission for this having been
obtained, this wing was immediately thrown into
echelon of companies of about four paces to the left,
advanced thus for a short distance, and then ordered
to form line to the left. The rapidity, however, of
the enemy's advance, and their having already opened
a confused though very hot fire from the flank of
their column — though only two companies of the
wings were yet formed — these were so nearly in con-
tact with and bearing on the angle of the column
that Colonel Walker, thinking no time was to be lost,
ordered an immediate volley and charge. The result
exceeded his most sanguine expectation. The angle
was instantly broken, and the drivers of the three
guns advanced in front, alarmed at the fire in their
rear, cutting the traces of their horses, and rushing
back with them, created great confusion, which by
the time the three outer companies could arrive to
take part in the charge, became general. Then this
immense mass, so threatening in its appearance but
a few minutes before, became in an instant an un-
governable mob, carrying o£E its officers and flying
like a flock of sheep, almost without resistance, for
upwards of two miles. On clearing a wood, Colonel
Walker, observing a party of cavalry to be drawn up

1808.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 107

on a small plain threatening his flank, deemed it
necessary to put a stop to the pursuit, as a party of
the 20th Dragoons, which had previously joined in
it, had already (through getting entangled in a wood)
suffered so seriously as to be incapable of affording
any further assistance. Having from hence reported
his situation and received Brigadier-General Fane's
orders, Colonel Walker retired with the regiment to
his former position, while the enemy continued their
retreat eastward in a direction different from that of
their resources.

" The immediate result of this success of the 50th
Regiment (including the assistance derived from the
artillery during the advance of the enemy and from
the 20th Light Dragoons in their retreat) was 1,000
killed, 360 prisoners, and 6 pieces of cannon, the
Regiment not mustering at the time 900 men in the
field, and the enemy's column being considerably
above 5,000. General Anstruther's brigade on the
right, had been too fully occupied with the attack of
Kellerman's reserve, to be able to take any steps
whatsoever, in the immediate support of the 50th
Regiment. A copy of the order of battle, found on
a French colonel killed in the action, countersigned
by Chariot (one of the brigadiers of the division),
and afterwards personally acknowledged by him,
confirms this statement.''

Meanwhile, General Anstruther had repulsed the
attack made upon him, and had sent the 2nd Batta-

108 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1808.

lion of tho 43rd Regiment to the churchyard, from
which our left was at one moment threatened; for
Kellerman having reinforced his attack on that point
it was temporarily successful, but the 43rd rallying,
with a hot fierce struggle, drove it back in confusion.

The French now fell back along the whole front ;
and Colonel Taylor, riding out with the 20th Light
Dragoons, fell on their disordered masses; but fol-
lowing them too far, and becoming entangled among
tho vineyards, they were in turn charged by superior
numbers of French cavalry and overthrown, with the
loss of half their numbers and their colonel slain.

As far as the eye could reach over the thickly
planted valley, and across the open country lying
beyond the forest, the fugitives were running in wild
disorder, their white sheepskin knapsacks discernible
among the far distant woods.

The ground was thickly strewed with muskets, side
arms, accoutrements, and well-filled knapsacks, which
had been hastily flung away.

The loss of the 50th consisted of Captain Coote
killed, Major Charles Hill and Captain J. N. Wilson
wounded, and 2 sergeants, 2 corporals, ] drummer,
and 38 privates either killed or died of wounds.
They captured a standard, pole, and box, which were
borne by a sergeant between the colours during suc-
ceeding campaigns. (Patterson.)

The regiment bivouacked that night in the position
they had occupied previous to their successful charge.

1808.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 109

where they remained the following day (the 22nd).
On the 23rd August they commenced their march to
Lisbon, negotiations for the convention of Cintra
having stopped further hostilities. They were well
received everywhere on their route through Portugal ;
and on arrival at Lisbon they were encamped on an
elevated space, called Campo Santa Anna, in con-
junction with the 29th, 40th, and 79th Regiments.

After the embarkation of the French in accordance
with the convention of Cintra (August 30th, 1808),
the 50th Regiment proceeded to Monte Santo,* where
they arrived on the 28th September.

Colonel Gr. T. Walker having obtained leave of
absence after the battle of Vimiero, the command of
the regiment devolved on Major Charles Napier, who
had joined from the second battalion to replace Major
Hill, severely wounded.

After the above action fifteen volunteers from the
French 70th Regiment joined the 50th, and their
long red plumes were afterwards worn as trophies by
the band of the regiment.

CORUNNA.

The 50th Regiment left Monte Santo in pouring
rain, at 6 a.m. on the 28th October, 1808, and com-

• Monte Santo was about four miles from Lisbon, on the
road to Cintra, which lay about fourteen miles north-west from
Lisbon.

110 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1808.

menced their march along the Tagus and across the
Zezere river to join Sir John Moore at Salamanca.
They marclied via Abrantes along the right bank of
the Tagus, and halting at Sacarem, arrived at Villa
Franca, where some boots were issued from the stores
there on the 29th of October. They reached Azam-
buja on the 30th and Santarem on the 31st, where
they remained until November 3rd.

Passing through Cuidad Rodrigo they reached Sala-
manca on the 25th of November. The regiment was
brigaded with the 4th and 42nd Regiments, under
Lord William Bentinck, and formed part of Sir David
Baird's division. They marched out of Salamanca
with the army of Sir John Moore on the 12th of
December, the snow lying deep on the ground, and a
wintry blast coming down from the hills. They were
closely followed by the armies under Marshal Soult,
before whose vastly superior forces Sir John Moore
was compelled to retreat, at first towards Vigo, after-
wards towards Corunna.

The passage of the river Esla, near Valencia, on
the 26th of December, was the first difficulty encoun-
tered, for there was a rapid current and a bad ford ;
and, in spite of the wintry weather, the men, holding
their arms and ammunition above their heads, had to
wade through the river up to their middles, and
sometimes up to their necks. Nor were the women
and children who accompanied the regiment any
better off, and there was no time for delay, as the

1808.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. Ill

enemy were pressing closely on the rear. " The
retreat was continued by forced marches amidst
winter rain * and appalling difficulties.'' On the 29th
the divisions of Generals Hope and Fraser reached
Astorga, where they were joined by Baird's division,
which had remained at Valencia de San Juan. Here
large stores were collected, which were ordered to be
destroyed. On the 31st, to reduce the strain on the
commissariat, the flank brigades were ordered to sepa-
rate from Moore's army and march on Vigo.

On the 1st of January, 1809, Napoleon entered
Astorga at the head of 70,000 infantry, 10,000
cavalry and 200 guns ; the British troops numbering
at the time about 19,000 men.

From Astorga Napoleon was recalled to France by
the imminence of war with Austria, leaving Soult to
continue the pursuit with a force which, including
the divisions of Laborde, Heudelet, and Loisson,
amounted to 60,000 men and 91 guns. (Sir W.
Napier.)

At this time the reserve division (Paget) and the
cavalry were at Cambarros, six miles from Astorga,
General Baird's division was at Bembibre, and
General Fraser's at Villa Franca. That night the

• Captain Patterson says, " At intervals rain poured down with
such tremendous force, that our open and straggling columns were
compelled to halt, and close up in a solid body ; in order that only
the exterior of the mass, might be exposed to the pelting fury of
the storm." (Page 85.)

112 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1808.

cavalry and reserve marched to Bembibre, and on
their arrival Baird's division marched to Calcavellos
in front of Villa Franca, but, owing to the immense
number of wine vaults at Bembibre, hundreds of
drunken soldiers remained behind. The next morn-
ing the reserve marched to Calcavellos, closely fol-
lowed by the French cavalry, and Baird marched to
Herrerias, about 18 miles off. On the morning of the
4th the reserve division reached Herrerias, Baird's
division being then at Nogales, Hope's and Fraser's
near Lugo, where the cavalry had also been sent.
On the way the 50th Regiment had a welcome oppor-
tunity of recruiting their boots and clothing from a
clothing store near Villa Franca.

The discipline of the army had suffered in this
retreat. The soldiers, barefooted and harassed, were
dropping to the rear by hundreds, while broken carts,
dead animals, and the piteous spectacle of women
and children falling exhausted in the snow completed
the picture.*

On the 5th of January the reserve, by a forced
march, gained Nogales. Towards evening they
approached Constantino, so closely pressed by the
enemy that the river there was passed with the
utmost difficulty ; and during the night they reached
Lugo, whither Baird had preceded them, and where

• Sir W. Napier gives the loss of the British army, previons to
arrival at Lugo, as 1,397, and the loss from departure fi*om Lugo
to the embarkation at Corunna as 2,636.

1808.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 113

the four divisions were now assembled. Hero Sir
John Moore determined to halt, for the army suffered
from famine and want of rest, being compelled to
retreat by forced marches, with which the commis-
sariat could not keep up. They were burdened
with a heavy weight of ammunition ; at every halt
they had to bivouac in the open, from which they
frequently had to clear away the snow ; and
numbers, unable to withstand the terrific effects of
cold, famine, and fatigue, sank to the earth on the
bleak and barren mountains, where they speedily
perished, or fell into the hands of the enemy.
(Patterson.)

The 50th Regiment formed part of the army, that
offered battle to the enemy for two days at Lugo.
On the night of the 8th, the retreat was continued
amid a terrible storm of wind and rain mixed with
sleet, during which all the columns but one lost their
way and at daybreak on the 9th, the rear guard was
still near Lugo.

On this night, one of the outlying piquets posted
to cover the retreat of the army, was furnished by the
50th Regiment under Lieutenant McCarthy. When
the retreating army had marched some distance, the
straw huts caught fire ; and Lieutenant McCarthy so
regulated the fire as to give the appearance of camp
fires, and thus to prevent the enemy suspecting the
retreat. Towards morning a staff officer ordered all
the piquets to retire.

114 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1808.

After retiring some distance Lieutenant McCarthy
was sent back with his piquet, which thus became the
rearmost troops of the army.

During the storm General Baird, having permitted
the leading division to take refuge in some houses,
great disorganisation followed.

The main body of the army reached Betanzos on
the evening of the 9th, having suflFered severely on
the march. Fortunately the enemy only came up
with our cavalry late in the evening.

Moore now, concentrating his army* at Betanzos,
steadily retired on Corunna,t on approaching which
place it became evident that the fleet had not arrived.
The troops on an'ival were put into quarters in the
town. The land fortifications were strengthened,
and those on the sea side destroyed.

On the 12th of January, the enemy's infantry
appeared at Burgo, where the bridge over the River

• A soldier of the 50th Light Company was seen at Bettanzos
with a fine child about 2 years old seated on the top of his knap-
sack. On inquiring about its parents the man stated that the
mother had dropped dead on the road and he had picked up the
child determined to adopt it, the father having been killed at
Vimiero. He brought the child to England where it grew into a
fine young man and became a shoemaker near Bury St. Edmund's.

t Patterson says, " Proceeding along the main street by the
harbour side, the 60th was halted in front of a large building near
the citadel, where for a short time the regiment was quartered.
While we were stationed here, the great magazine of powder,
situated about three miles off, was blown into the air " with an
awful explosion, the sound of which reached the distant moun-
tains.

p. 115

1808.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 115

Mero had been destroyed, and liis cavalry lined the
river's bank.

The bridge at Burgo having been repaired, three
divisions of the enemy crossed over on the 14th, and
that evening the transport for the embarkation of the
British army hove in sight, and entered the harbour
of Corunna during the night.

All the British guns except six, and the best of the
horses, were embarked on the 15th ; and La Borde's
division arrived to reinforce the French. During the
night, Soult with great difficulty caused 11 heavy
guns to be dragged to some rocks, that formed the
left of his position, which was occupied by Mermet's
division. Merle's division occupied the centre, and
La Borde's the right. The French left, where the
great battery* was posted, was 1,200 yards from the
right of the British line, and midway, the little
village of Elvina was held by the piquets of the
60th Regiment.

On the morning of the 16th of 'January, both
armies faced each other on the opposing ridges ; so
near, that the unassisted eye could trace the slightest
movement across, the intervening valley. This narrow
valley was dotted with villages set amid vineyards;
three of the villages were held by British piquets, and
Elvina almost covered the extreme right of our
position, and lay between our right, and the battery

* This was the battery that Sir C. Napier and the 60th so
gallantly charged on the I6th.

IIG THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1808.

of heavy guns (8 and 12 pounders) on the French
left, only 600 yards o£P.

On the arrival of La Borde's division, the French
army amounted to 20,000 men, with heavy guns,
while the British forces numbered less than 15,000,
with only 6 British, and 3 Spanish 6-pounder guns,
worked by British gunners. About 2 o'clock, Soult
opened a heavy fire from the battery on his left,
which dominated the light British guns, sweeping
our position to its centre, and advanced under cover
of it in three columns across the valley. The first of
these columns drove out the 50th piquets from the
village of Elvina, and then, dividing into two parts,
one part endeavoured to turn the British right, while
the remainder of this column attacked in front.

At this moment, the end of the rocky eminence,
that formed the British right, was held by Sir
W. Bentinck's brigade of General Baird's division;
another brigade of this division was in column behind
the right; and one battalion, detached from the reserve,
prolonged the British right on the low ground. The
50th, being the junior regiment, occupied at first the
centre of Bentinck's brigade, the 4th being on their
right and the 42nd on their left. This brigade, owing
to the conformation of the ground, was the nearest to
the enemy's position, and the most exposed to their
battery of heavy guns. At tlie beginning of the
action, Sir John Moore and staff rode up at a gallop,
and he checking his horse close to whore Major Charles

1808.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 117

Napier stood, examined the enemy's advance. Being
apparently satisfied, he rode off to the left.

Shortly afterwards, the right of our position being
threatened by the French attack, Colonel Wynch
threw back the 4th Regiment, thereby leaving the
50th Regiment on the extreme right, and Paget's
reserve was ordered up to support the regiment he
had previously detached.

The 50th Regiment was in line on the ridge just
over Elvina; they suffered heavily from the fire of
the enemy's artillery, for the range was soon found,
and round shot tore through the line, and ploughed
the surface of the surrounding ground.

Again, Sir John Moore came back to the 50th, just
as the French column had begun to ascend the foot
of the hill below them. Napier asks if he may send
out his grenadier company ; Moore thinks they may
fire on their own piquets, but being informed that
the piquets had fallen back, assents to it. The full
strength of the French attack on our right being now
developed, once more Sir John Moore rides up to
Major Napier, and while talking to him a round shot
strikes full between the two men. Sir John Moore's
horse swerves away, but is forced back, and Sir John
asks Major Napier if he was hit, and is answered,
" No, sir." He rides away again, but soon returns
and orders the 42nd to advance. Major Napier,
without waiting for orders, advances the 50th in
line with them. Passing the 42nd, Napier leads his

118 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1808.

regiment througli Elvina, whicli is carried at the
point of the bayonet, he cheering as he leads the
advance. At this moment Sir John Moore comes
back to where he had left the 50th Regiment, and,
taking in the situation, rides forward in the wake of
the regiment, calling out, "Well done, 50th! Well
done, my Majors ! " *

The light infantry company, under Captain Harri-
son, now charged furiously across the broken ground,
and, bearing away all opposition, took lodgment in
the rocks above.

The battalion companies, passing rapidly through
the streets of the village, upset the cooking materials
of the enemy, and, forcing every barrier, pressed on
to the higher ground. " Forward! Forward to the
hill ! " was the cry, and clambering up the steep and
craggy ascent, emboldened by the example of their
officers, the men were mowed down by continuous

* Sir John Moore was engaged to be married to the sister of
Major Stanhope, 50th Regiment, killed in this action. The
epaulettes said to have been worn by him at the time, were
presented to the regiment in 1893 by the Right Honourable
E. Stanhope, M.P., Secretary of State for War in 1892, and are
preserved by the first battalion. Major Napier was also indebted
to the influence of Sir John Moore for his promotion in the 50th.

Captain Patterson, page 116, says, "Major Stanhope had
worn a suit of new uniform and bright silver epaulettes, in
which he was buried with his military cloak around him ; "
but as he also relates that his brother rode up at the last
moment and took his ring and a lock of his hair, it is probable
that he removed the epaulettes at the same time.

1808.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 119

volleys, from the crest of the mountain bristling with
French bayonets, which almost threatened to annihilate
their ranks, the regiment being the most advanced in
the battle, and surrounded on three sides by a sheet of
fire. Major Napier's sword-belt was shot away, but
looking to his front he saw the heavy battery now
close above him, and gathering, by great personal
exertion, about 30 men and 3 or 4 oflBcers together,
he resolved to storm the enemy's stronghold. This
forlorn hope, leading straight upon the battery went
down, between a fire which smote them, almost -^as
much from their friends in rear, as from their enemii^,
and by the time the foot of the ascent was reached.
Major Napier found himself almost alone before the
enemy.

Had this dashing attempt only been supported, as
Major Napier (believing the 42nd Regiment to be
close behind) had every reason to anticipate it would
have been, who can say, how great might have been the
result ; for even then Paget's division was threatening
the flank of this great battery, attacked by the 50th
in front.

But a series of unfortunate circumstances inter-
vened. Sir John Moore having ordered up a batta-
lion of the Guards, the 42nd retired, believing that
the Guards had been sent to relieve them. Sir John
Moore seeing this, again sent them to the front ; but
too late; and before the 50th Regiment could be
supported, General Baird commanding the division

120 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1808.

was wounded ; and Sir John Moore liaving received
that fatal wound, which deprived the country of one
of its greatest heroes, w^as no longer capable of giving
orders for his support.

An order was sent instead to recall the 50th, and
Napier and the few men with him were left alone in
front of the enemy.

During this period Captain William Clunes, at the
head of the grenadier company, with only a cane in
his hand, compelled the enemy to evacuate a chapel,
and was afterwards promoted into the 54th for
bravery, and the right centre of the regiment, forcing
their way through the enclosures and lanes beyond
Elvina, was most severely handled, being exposed
to a raking fire from the great battery, and many
officers and men were killed.

Here the Honourable Major Stanhope, the second
in command, met his death ; and Ensigns Moore and
Stewart, the officers who carried the colours, were
shot down.

The latter officer was killed instantaneously, the
regimental colour falling across his body, and Ser-
geant McKie had no sooner disengaged it, to hand
it to another officer, than he also was mortally
wounded !

All the ammunition being expended (70 rounds
per man having been fired) and it being impossible
for the regiment to maintain their position against
such fearful odds, orders were given to retire ; and

1808.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 121

on being relieved by the Guards tlie troops of the
first brigade fell back, the shattered remnant of the
50th resuming their place upon the hill, from which
it had at the outset advanced.

The retreat of the rest of the regiment left Major
Charles Napier, with only four survivors of his party,
and completely surrounded by the enemy. Gathering
a few men togetlicr, he made a desperate attempt to cut
his way through, but was dangerously wounded and
taken prisoner, and his life was only saved by the inter-
vention of a French drummer.* He was almost the sole
survivor of that gallant little band, which he had led
so bravely against the great battery: I regret that
we do not know their names.t Among the many
heroic deeds of the British army, I know none more
deserving of being handed down to posterity, than
this desperate effort of these brave men.

The heavy losses of the 50th Regiment were not
suffered in vain, for no further attempt was made on
Elvina by the enemy, and at the close of the action,
the British everywhere maintained their position,
while the French were falling back in confusion.

Preparations were now made for the embarkation

* The Frencli drummer, Guibert, "was decorated by Marshal
Soult for this service.

t Private Henessey, an Irish soldier of the 50th, was taken
prisoner at the same time. See Appendix for an interesting
account of Major Napier's capture, taken from the " Life of Sir
Charles Napier," by Colonel Sir W. Butler, to which book I am
indebted for much information.

122 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1808.

of the army, and about 8 o'clock they began to move
off in perfect silence. The fires were, however, kept
up, and the usual outposts mainiained; those of the
60th Regiment being under the command of Captain
Clunes.

A general interment of the dead took place about
midnight, and Major Stanhope was buried by his
brother officers and comrades, the remains being
lowered into the grave with their sashes.

The 50th piquets under Captain Clunes were with-
drawn an hour before the clear light of day, and
marched to the shore; but the tide was so low that
the boats could not get near, and the men were
compelled to wade through the water above their
middles to enter them. They were then embarked
on *' The Mary," which was anchored for this pur-
pose so close in shore, that it made an irresistible
target for the French artillery, which had by this
time taken up its position upon the heights of San
Lucia, supported by some infantry battalions. The
captain of ^' The Mary," terrified by the heavy fire
on his ship, cut the cable, and, as it was blowing
heavily, she drifted on the rocks. The troops and
crew of ^' The Mary" were taken on board the brig
" Thomas," but with the loss of all their kit.

The 50th Regiment embarked on board the man-
of-war " Ville de Paris."

The loss of the British army in this engagement is
computed by Sir William Napier at 800 men ; that of

1809.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 123

the French at 3,000, though he thinks the latter
figure may be exaggerated.

The 50th Regiment lost — killed, Major Stanhope
and Lieut. J. N. Wilson. Wounded, Major Napier
and Ensigns Moore and Stewart. Killed and wounded,
5 sergeants, 4 corporals, 2 drummers, 169 privates.

The citadel was maintained by the troops under
Beresford till the 18th January, when all being em-
barked, the fleet sailed, and arrived in England on
the 23rd. The 50th Regiment disembarked at
Haslar, and marched to Gosport ; and from thence to
Brabone Lees in Kent.

WALCHEREN.

The battle of Wagram, July 5th, 1809, having
left Austria completely in the power of France, in
order to create a diversion in her favour, a British
expedition was prepared against Antwerp, and
Flushing, which the Emperor Napoleon was en-
deavouring to convert into great naval dep6ts.

This expedition left the Downs in a gale of wind
on the 28th July. During the night two of the
gunboats were dismasted, and one foundered.

The fleet was under the command of Sir Richard
Strachan, and the army under that of the Earl of
Chatham.

The first troops landed on the island of Walcheren,
without opposition, at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 30th.
The debarkation of troops was continued on the

124 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1809.

succeeding days, and the fort of Veer, having been
invested, capitulated on the 1st of August.

The 50th Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel
Charles Stewart, landed with the left wing, under
tlie command of Lieutenant-General Fraser on the
2nd of August. They were brigaded with the 11th
and 79th, and formed part of Major-General Keith's
brigade.*

Lieutenant-General Eraser's division marched to
Ramahim.

A fresh distribution of troops was made on the 21st
of August, and the 50th Regiment was placed in the
Marquis of Huntley's division, and brigaded with the
6th and 91st Regiments under Major-General Dyott.

♦ A battalion of detachments, nearly 1,000 strong, was raised
in tlie Isle of Wight from the dep6t3 of regiments on foreign
service.

It was under the command of the Honoui-able Basil Cochrane,
36th Regiment, and included the following officers of the 60th
Regiment :

Captain Henry Montgomery.

„ Edward Adkin.
Lieutenant William Turner.
„ John Patterson.

„ Richard Jones.

„ James Thomas.

It also included several non-commissioned officers of the 50th.
They were in General Fraser s division, and disembarked near
the village of Veer on the 1st of August, for service in the
Walcheren Expedition. Re-embarking on the 7th September, they
proceeded to Portsmouth, where they landed on the lOfch of that
month, and from thence rejoined their respective depots. (Cap-
tain Patterson.)

1809.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 125

They were quartered at Oudeland and Overland in
South Beyeland.

That fearful sickness (afterwards known as ^^ Wal-
cheren fever '^) which devastated our army had now
set in. Patterson says: ^^The poisonous exhalations
and marsh miasmata from the loathsome waters of
the canal, combined with the fervid and contaminated
air, generated and extended the deadly endemic.

" Men and officers were attacked in the most sudden
and violent manner while on parade, and were led
away under the fatal illness, from which they were
soon released by the hand of death.

" The hospitals were filled, and the convalescents
reduced to so low a state, that it was a considerable
time, before they were fit for any service.'^ *

A council of war was held on the 27th August,
which unanimously decided that the siege of Antwerp,
the principal object of the expedition, was imprac-
ticable ; and that, under the circumstances, the con-
tinuation of minor objects was not advisable.

On the 28th, the number of sick being nearly
4,000, arrangements were commenced for the em-
barkation of the captured guns, and the abandonment
of the expedition.

Major-General Dyott's and Major-General Picton's
brigades were told off on the 29th of that month to

• The number of sick on the 20th of August, 1809, was 1,564,
■within 3 or 4 days this number was increased to nearly 3,000, on
the 27th it had increased to 3,467 and was still increasing.

126 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH REGIMENT. [1809.

hold the island of Walcheren, and for this service
batteries were erected, and a floating bridge estab-
lished, to enable these troops to cross over from South
Beveland.

Accordingly Major-General Dyott's brigade crossed
over on the 31st of August, and the 50th Regiment
was quartered in the town of Middleburg.

The Queen's Own, having been especially selected
to give the final outposts on the last ten days,
during which the fleet was detained by contrary winds,
it was the last regiment to embark, and handed
over the island to the Dutch authorities in the month
of December. The 50th remained in England until
September, 1810, when they embarked for Portugal.

p. 127

CHAPTER VI.

PENINSULA.

The First Battalion of the 50th Regiment, under
the command of Lieutenant- Colonel Charles Stewart,
embarked for Portugal in September, 1810. They
entered the Tagus on the 25th, and disembarked at
Lisbon on the 26th of that month.

They were brigaded with the 71st and 92nd Regi-
ments, under Major-General Sir William Erskine, and
formed part of the 1st Division, under Lieutenant-
General Sir Brent Spencer, K.C.B.

On the 27th September, Major Charles Napier 50th
Regiment, who was serving on Lord Wellington's
sta£F, was severely wounded at Busaco.*

* Major Charles Napior, 1st Battalion 60th Regiment, who
was severely wounded and taken prisoner when in command of
the regiment at Corunna, was released by Marshal Ney on the
20th March, 1809, conditionally on his not serving nntil exchanged.
In January, 1810, he rejoined the 60th. In May, 1810, he joined
the Light Division in the Peninsula as a volunteer under Craw-
ford, and was employed on Lord Wellington's stafE at Busaco.
He was urged to dismount, as the only man in a red coat, to which

128 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1810.

Sir W. Erskine's brigade e£Fected a junction, with
Lord Wellington's army at Sobral, on the 10th
October. This village was occupied by the 71st as
an outpost, with the 50th and 92nd in support.

On the 12th October, this position was violently
attacked bj^ the enemy, the piquets driven in, and
the 71st retired fighting on their supports. On the
14th, however, the "French were driven back, and the
original positions resumed ; 200 or 300 men were
wounded in these affairs.

Shortly afterwards, the brigade withdrew to Zibrera,
which formed part of the lines of Torres Vedras, which
position they maintained during the occupation of
these celebrated lines. At this place the 50th supplied
an outl)'ing piquet in a village, at the foot of a steep
precipice, beyond which, on a gentle acclivity, rose a
hill, on which the piquets of the enemy were posted.

During the night of the 14th of November, the
enemy retired from their position between Sobral and
the Tagus ; and they were followed on the 15th, by the

he replied : *' No ! this is the nniform of my regiment, and in it I
will show or fall this day." He had hardly spoken when a bullet
entered on the right of his nose, and lodged in the left jaw near
the ear. He was moved to the Convent of Bnsaco, but in spite of
his severe wound he was at Cintra next day, and from there
rode into Lisbon. The 50th Regiment passed him on their way
to the front, and cheered him as they passed. He was promoted
to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the 102nd Regiment in June,
1811. (Exti-act from Life of Sir Charles Napier, by Sir W. F.
Butler.) Sir C. Napier always continued to take the greatest
interest in the 50th. (See Appendix, page 306, line 28.)

p. 129

1811.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENl'. 120

British cavalry and the advanced guards, as well as by
Sir Brent Spencer s and the 5th Division. The enemy
having, however, taken up a strong position at
Santarem, the 50th and Tlst Regiments were moved
back to Zibrera, and the 92nd to Crozendeira, from
which position the whole brigade moved at the end
of the month to Alquintrinka. Prom there the 50th
Regiment moved to Peyvallo early in March, 1811 ;
the remainder of the Brigade being at Torre Novas.

The brigade was now commanded by Major-
General Howard, Sir W. Erskine having been ap-
pointed to command a division.

The enemy retired from Santarem during the
night of the 5th of March. Wellington was, however,
unable to collect sufficient troops to follow till the
11th of that month.

The 1st, 4th, and 6th Divisions marched to
Golegas about March 6th.

At the combat of Redinha, on the 13th of March,
the Ist, 5th, and 6th Divisions were in reserve.

At Cazal Nova on the 13th, where Marshal Ney
had taken up a strong position, which General
Erskine had prematurely assailed with the 52nd
Regiment, the 1st, 5th, and 6th Divisions, with the
heavy cavalry and guns, came up in the centre in
support of the Light Division, and determined the
retreat of the French.

The 15th of March found Ney in a strong position
on the Eiver Oeira, near the village of Foz d'Aronce,

K 2

130 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1811.

from which they were dislodged by the 3rd Division,
who were supported by the 1st; here the French
lost 600 men.

The enemy having now retired to Salamanca,
Wellington invested Almeida, a fortress on the
Coa.

Towards the end of April, Massena, having been
reinforced by a portion of Dronet's troops, made an
e£Fort to relieve Almeida.

On the 25th of that month he reached Cuidad
Rodrigo ; but the river Azava, a tributary of the
Agueda, being in flood, delayed his advance.

Lord Wellington arrived on the 28th, and concen-
trated his troops behind the Duas Casas river ; the
Light Division being in advance along the Azava
river.

On the 2nd of May, the waters having subsided,
the enemy crossed the Agueda.

On the afternoon of the 3rd, they formed on the
right of the Duas Casas river, and attacked the
village of Fuentes d'Honor with a large force. This
village, which was built on the slope of a ravine, was
held by five battalions picked from the 1st and 3rd
Divisions. These regiments were driven from the
lower parts of the village, and with difficulty held
the upper parts; and the position was becoming
critical, when a gallant charge of the 24th, 7lst, and
79th Regiments drove the French from the village.
These three regiments were then left to hold the

BATTLE or

s^Mfiv. inn

f^--

p. 131

1811.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 131

position, the other regiments being withdrawn. Lieu-
tenant Rudkins and Ensign Grant, with 3 privates
of the 50th Regiment, were wounded in this affair.*

On the 5th of May, the 8th, 9th, and 26th Corps of
the enemy, with a large force of cavalry, moved to
our right of the village, and the British 1st and 3rd
Divisions made a corresponding movement along the
ridge to their right; the bridges over the Duas
Casas on the left of our position, being held by the 5th
and 6th Divisions. The 7th Division was in advance
near Poca Velha; but their right flank being
menaced they had to retire. At this juncture the
Light Division came up, and the British cavalry
came into action; but the Portuguese having
abandoned the hill of Neva d'Aver, our right was
partially turned, the position at the time being : the
3rd Division on the left nearest the ridge, between the
Duas Casas and Turones rivers, the Light Division
on the right, the 7th Division slightly in advance of
them, and the 1st Division in the centre. It now
became necessary to throw back our right. The 7th
Division was therefore ordered to cross the Turones
and occupy Frenada ; the Light Division covered by
cavalry moved to the rear of the ridge, where they
and the cavalry were in reserve ; while the 1st
Division, in two lines, was formed behind the ridge
on the right.

* It is evident from the killed and wounded that the 50th formed
one of these five battalions.

132 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1811.

The 3rd Division was in two lines on the left, and
Colonel Ashworth'fl brigade in two lines occupied the
centre.

The enemy did not venture to assail this new
position — except by a cannonade and cavalry charges*
on our advanced posts — their main efforts being
directed against the village of Fuentes d' Honor,
of which, however, they never succeeded in gaining
more than temporary possession. The 6th of May
was occupied in strengthening the British position by
entrenchments ; but the enemy did not again attack,
and retired across the Agueda on the 10th. At
midnight on that date the fortress of Almeida was
evacuated.

The loss of the 50th Regiment in the above action
was : 3 privates killed, 2 sergeants and 19 privates
wounded, and Lieutenant Ryan and 4 privates
missing.

On the 22nd of May, an order was received by the
2nd Battalion, to send a detachment to reinforce the
1st Battalion.

This detachment landed at Lisbon on the 25th of
June, and marched from that place on July 2nd,
and on the 14th they joined the 50th Regiment,
which with the rest of the brigade had been trans-

• Lord Wellington says in his despatches that one of their
cavalry charges was driven back by the piquets of the let
Division, who were afterwards themselves surprised by the
enemy. As the 50th had an officer and four men missing in this
affair, they probably supplied one of those piquets.

^Jiuhnntr

/Am*^»

.'f //«'<-./ rw^A/ «><';• /W

g:e^i- hills opEHATiorr.s,

18LI.

P. 133

1811.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 133

ferred early in June, and now formed the 1st Brigade
of General Hill's or the 2nd Division, and was
encamped on the heights of Torre di Moro.

The troops were encamped in temporary huts,
made from the branches of the oaks, which grow
luxuriantly about.

On the 21st of October, General Hill received
orders from Lord Wellington to march with his
division towards Merida and Caceres, in order to
surprise and interrupt a French corps under General
Girard, and to re-open communications with the
Spanish troops of La Pena and of Castanos.

The 1st Brigade of the 2nd Division were far on
the road by daylight on the 22nd. They marched
by the road to Albuquerque, and passing through
the village of Malpartida, bivouacked in a field
near the village of San Antonio on the 27th.

It was cold and wintry weather, and the rain came
down in torrents all through the march, and con-
tinued with little intermission during the night ; but
no noise was permitted either on the march, or in
the bivouac, and though there was no shelter no fires
were allowed.

Before daylight on the 28th, the brigade was
drawn up in the neighbourhood of Arroyo del
Molinos, which was occupied by part of General
Girard's force, the division being formed in three
bodies, the centre one being cavalry.

The 1st Brigade, which formed the left column,

134 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1811.

halted on some rising ground on the road close to
the village, into which one company of the 60th
Rifles, and the 71st were sent at the double, closely
followed by the 92nd in quarter column and the 50th
in close column.*

They soon gained all the principal outlets, and
though the alarm was at once given by the enemy's
piquets, so rapid was the movement that the surprise
was complete.

Sir W. Napier says: "The horses of the rear-
guard were unbridled and tied to olive trees while
the infantry were gathering to form outside the
village."

" The cavalry bridled up hastily, and the infantry
ran to their alarm posts; but a tempest raged, a

* In the War Office Record there is a paper by Lieutenant
McCarthy, 60th Regiment, which states that the 50th were at
first in front of the brigade, and marching slowly were within
100 paces of one of the enemy's piquets before they were seen.

Capiain Patterson, in his "Adventures," states that "the
infantry, completely surprised, started from their beds, and
gained an adjacent wood, on which a heavy fire was maintained."
But as there is no wood shown either in the plan of this
action that accompanied General Hill's original despatch, or
in Sir W. Napier's plan, I have not considered this sufficiently
corroborated.

Lieutenant W. McCarthy relates that a grenadier of the 50th
captured a portmanteau full of dollars, and that an officer of the
regiment made a most acceptable capture of a mule laden with
wine and a hot ham, to which the officers did justice !

The account of this action is principally taken from Greneral
Hill's original despatch of October 30th, 1811.

1811.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 135

thick mist rolled down the craggy mountain, a
terrific shout was heard amidst the clatter of the
elements, and with the driving storm came the
7lst and 92nd Regiments charging down the
street.*'

The French rear-guard of horsemen, fighting hard,
were speedily driven to the end of the village, where
their infantry, formed in squares, endeavoured to
cover them, but the 7lst, lining the garden walls,
opened a terrific fire on them, the 92nd formed line
across their right flank ; while one wing of the 50th
Regiment occupied the town and secured the
prisoners, the other wing with the three six-
pounders skirted outside; the artillery firing with
great effect on the enemy's squares, as soon as they
got within range, while the cavalry captured their
artillery, and dispersed their cavalry.

General Girard, though wounded, still kept the
French infantry together, and endeavoured to retreat
by the Truxillo road ; but the 3rd Brigade, supported
by cavalry, had meantime made a rapid flank move-
ment to their right, and were in possession of that
road ; and in consequence the French troops were
hemmed in between the two columns, and a mountain
ridge on their left, the artillery and cavalry were
close on their right, and the first brigade followed
fast on their rear.

General Girard's men fell by fifties, and his situa-
tion was desperate ; but he would not surrender, and

136 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1812.

giving the order for the troops to disperse^ he
endeavoured to scale the almost inaccessible rocks.

The 28th and 34th followed them up the rocks^
till they were beaten in speed by the enemy, who
had thrown away arms and pack. Then the 39th
and Portuguese turned the mountain by the Truxillo
road ; and eventually General Girard with two other
generals and six hundred men^ alone succeeded in
joining the army of General Drouet, out of a force
of 3,000 men, accounted the finest French troops
in Spain ; while 1,300 prisoners including Prince
d'Aremberg and General Bron, all their artillery,
baggage, commissariat, and a contribution just
raised, fell into our hands. The loss of the allies
only amounted to 70 killed and wounded.

The 1st Brigade 2nd Division then proceeded to
Merida, and afterwards to Campo Mayo, from whence
on November 4th they returned to winter quarters in
Portalegre. On the 4th of March they proceeded
to Albuquerque, and on the 22nd of that month they
arrived at Dom Benito. These movements formed
part of the operations for covering the third siege
of Badajoz, in which the divisions of Generals
Graham and Hill worked in conjunction, the former
with 3 divisions of infantry, which included 20,000
Portuguese, and 2 brigades of cavalry moving on
Slerena, while General Hill moved by Merida, upon
Almendralejo. (See map, p. 133).

General Hill's division was afterwards encamped

^^^^^

1812.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 137

in the woods, before Talavera de la Real, on the
left bank of the Guadiana, about three leagues from
Badajoz.*

Early in April, after the fall of Badajoz, the 50th
with the rest of the Ist Brigade of General Hill's
Division left Talavera, and stopping at Alraendralejo
and other places without anything worthy of note,
arrived at Truxillo on the 15th of May.

Lord Wellington, designing to attack Marmont,
it became essential to isolate his position. With
this view orders were given to General Hill to
destroy the bridge and forts at Almaraz on the
Tagus, as the French could only cross the Tagus
between Toledo and the frontier of Portugal by the
boat bridge at Almaraz, to secure which strong forts
and a bridge head had been constructed.

* Though the Regiment was not present at the siege of Badajoz,
they were represented by Lieutenant McCarthy, mentioned in
previous notes, who was attached to the 3rd Division under
Sir J. Picton as leading engineer.

He was severely wounded in the assault, sustaining a compound
fracture of the thigh.

The following is taken fi*om the life of Picton : —

"Arrived in the ditch, the leading engineer, Lieutenant
McCarthy, 50th Regiment, who had volunteered his services,
found that the ladders had been laid on the palings of the ditch.
This brave officer, finding that these palings had not yet been
removed, cried out, * Down with the palings,' and immediately
applying his own hands to effect this, with the assistance of a
few others, he succeeded in forcing them down. Through this
gap rushed Picton, followed by his men ; but so thick was the
fire on this point that death seemed inevitable."

138 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1812.

It was a bold move, as either Foy's division of
Marmont's army or Drouet's force might have cut
off their retreat.

On the 16th of May, Hill's force, consisting of
6,000 men, with 12 field pieces, pontoons, battering
train, and 50 country carts, reached Jaraicijo, where
the force was divided into three columns. The left
column was to have seized the tower of Mirabette,
which commanded the pass; the centre column,
which consisted of the cavalry and artillery, moved
by the road ; while the right, which consisted of the
first brigade under General Hill in person, was to
move by the narrow and diflScult way of Roman
Gordo. The three columns started on the night
of the 16th, hoping to effect a surprise, but day
broke before any column reached its destination.

General Hill now decided that the Mirabette works
were too strong to be carried by his force, without
unjustifiable loss ; yet it was only through the pass
commanded by them, that he could move his artillery.
He resolved, therefore, to attack the strong forts at
Almaraz with infantry alone. This determination
was all the more hazardous as the nearest point of
retreat was Merida, four days' march distant, and
it might have been intercepted by greatly superior
forces.

The right column, consisting of the 50th, 71st,
and 92nd, marched all through the night of the
I6th, by a narrow and precipitous pathway, little

Action Enlartfai ,jre ..

P. 139

1812.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 139

better than a sheep walk, among broken rocks
and stones, up the sides of a steep and craggy-
mountain.

On this mountain ridge they remained until the
night of the 18th, when the advance against the
forts commenced. On the south side of the Tagus,
which they were approaching, the bridge over the
river had a fortified head of masonry, flanked by
a redoubt called Fort Napoleon, placed on a height
a little in advance. Sir W. Napier speaks of this
fort as imperfectly constructed, as there was a wide
berme in the middle of the scarp, furnishing a
landing place for escalade. It was yet strong, as it
contained a second interior defence, or retrenchment,
with a loop-holed stone tower, a ditch, drawbridge,
and palisades. It was this fort that the 50th
Regiment, assisted by five companies of the 71st
Regiment, was ordered to storm.

It was intended to surprise it before daylight,
if possible; but though only six miles oflF, owing
to the difficulty of the track, the 50th Regiment,
which was in advance, only reached the fort a little
before daylight, while the rear was far distant; and
it was doubtful whether the scaling ladders (cut in
half, in order to pass the narrow turns) would
reach.

The 50th Regiment, however, formed up under
cover of some rising ground sloping down to the
fort. Here they waited for the rear of the column

140 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1812.

to form up. It was then the morning of the 19th,
and a surprise was impossible. About this time
a false attack on the Mirabette works by the left
column commenced ; and General Lord Hill, riding
up to the 50th, gave them the order to advance.
The garrison of Fort Napoleon, attracted by the
cannonade on the Mirabette, were crowding on the
ramparts, when, in the words of Sir W. Napier,
" quick and loud, a British shout broke on their ears,
and gallantly the 50th, and a wing of the 71st came
boimding over the low hills."

The assault was directed on three faces of the
battery, for which purpose three storming parties
were formed, the right wing of the regiment being
led by Colonel Charles Stewart (in command), the
left by Major Harrison, the third party being formed
by three companies of the 71st Regiment under
Major Cbther, while two companies of that regiment
were extended on the flanks. The whole was pre-
ceded by a forlorn hope.*

Directly the heads of the men were visible above
the hill they were assailed by volleys of round shot,
canister, and bullets, while thirteen pieces of canon
played on them ; but they advanced steadily onward
under the incessant fire.

* Lieutenant W. J. Hemsworth was at first in command of the
forlorn hope, consisting of 1 sergeant and 21 privates ; bat being
wounded in the head early in the day, his place was tarken by
Lieutenant Patrick Plunket of the grenadier company, who
survived, and was afterwards promoted into the 80th.

1812.J (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 141

The order "Forward to the ditch 1" was now
given, and the men pressed on to the foot of the
ramparts ; the scaling ladders were brought up, and
every effort was made to scale the walls. But the
scaling ladders were too short, and for some time
the effort was in vain. All this time the garrison
were rolling down large rocks and stones, round shot,
glass bottles, &c., on our men ; and numbers were
killed and wounded. Captain Candler, commanding
No. 4 company,* succeeded in making a lodgment on
the wall, but he was immediately killed, his body
dropping inside, and his party was swept away.
Lieutenant Plunket now, perceiving longer ladders in
rear, with the aid of Captain North, ran back and got
one, which they placed against the fort and ascended,
followed by a few men. Then the grenadiers
succeeded in making an entry by jumping from the
ladders on to the berme, afterwards drawing the
ladders up and planting them there. By a second
escalade they won the ramparts; and, closely fight-
ing, all went together into the retrenchment round

• Sir W. Napier states that Captain Candler fell leading the
grenadiers of the 60th, but Captain Patterson, an officer of the
regiment and an eye-witness, cannot be mistaken in saying he
comm.anded No. 4 company, and there can be little doubt from
the War Office Records, that Captain North led the grenadiers.

Captain Candler, who was promoted into the 50th from the 31st,
was the only officer of the British force killed in this assault ; but
Captain R. F. Sandys, oOth Regiment, was so severely wounded
that he afterwards died, and Lieutenant Thieb, German Artillery,
was blown up by his own mine in destroying the works.

142 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1812.

the stone tower, Captain North's party capturing two
ofEcers in the act of rallying their men. The garrison
then fled in a confused mass towards the bridge head,
followed by the 50th, who entered that work with
them. The fugitives continued their flight over the
bridge itself, still followed by the 50th, who would
have passed the river had not some of the boats
forming the bridge been destroyed by the guns of
Fort Napoleon, which had now been turned on Fort
Bagusa, on the opposite shore. Many of the enemy
were drowned in attempting to cross.

Claremont, the governor of Fort Napoleon, refusing
to surrender, and fighting to the last, was cut down
by Sergeant Checkers of the light company.
Sergeant-Major Lewis, 50th Regiment, who was
conspicuous for his daring in the assault, was so
desperately wounded that he died a few hours after-
wards.

Meantime the 92nd, with the remainder of the 71st,
who had been ordered to storm the T6te-du-pont,
had been equally successful ; and, the bridge of boats
being speedily repaired, the 92nd dashed over it and
seized Fort Ragusa on the opposite side. The total
British loss in this affair was 1 captain, 1 lieutenant,
1 sergeant, and 30 men killed ; 2 captains, 6 lieu-
tenants, 4 ensigns, 10 sergeants, I drummer, and 117
men wounded. Of these the killed and wounded of
the 50th Regiment were: killed, Captain Candler,
1 corporal, and 9 privates ; wounded, Captain Sands,

1812.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 143

Lieutenants Richardson and Hemsworth, Ensign
Goddard, Sergeant-Major J. Lewis, Assistant Sergeant-
Major Carlisle, 1 sergeant, 4 corporals, and 17
privates.

Two hundred prisoners fell into our hands, while
the magazines turned out to be well stocked, with
munitions of war as well as with provisions.

The works of Fort Napoleon and Ragusa were
destroyed, and the stores, ammunitions, provisions,
and boats burned. That night the 1st Brigade re-
occupied the Mirabette ridge, taking with them
several colours, the commandant, 16 other officers,
and 250 prisoners. General Lord Hill was now
about to reduce the Mirabette works, when Sir W.
Erskine gave a false alarm of the French movements,
which led to a hasty retreat of the whole force on
Merida; and on the 20th of May the regiment
advanced to Truxillo.

General Hill's Division being employed in watch-
ing General Drouet's force, did not form part of
Lord Wellington's advance against Marshal Marmont,
which culminated in the splendid victory of Sala-
manca, in which 40,000 French were defeated in
40 minutes, while Marmont himself was severely
wounded, and his army was compelled to retreat
across the River Douro, with a loss of 2 eagles,
several standards, 12 guns, and 12,500 officers and
men killed, wounded, and missing.

General Clauset, who now commanded the French

144 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1812.

army, being still pressed, abandoned all the garrisons
on the Douro and Valladolid, and retreated up the
Alanza River towards the mountain. Valladolid was
then occupied by the British, and found to contain
large stores and 17 pieces of artillery. Wellington
now crossed the Guadarama Mountains and marched
on Madrid, leaving General Clinton with 12,000 men
to watch Clauset, who then advanced and reoccupied
Valladolid with 22,000. On the 1st of September
Lord Wellington again marched against Clauset,
leaving General Hill, who had been holding General
Drouet in check, to hold Madrid, in co-operation with
all the Spanish armies beyond the Tagus.

On the 13th of September, the 50th Regiment,
who had occupied Dom Benito, forded the Guadiana
about a league above Medellin, passed over the
rugged hills that separate that river from the
Tagus ; and, passing through Toledo, they followed
the course of the Tagus to Aranjuez, about seven
leagues from Madrid, which they reached at the
beginning of October. On the 23rd of that month
they moved on the direct road to Madrid, which
they skirted, the brigade being quartered on the
night of the 29th at the Escurial, which proved
large enough to accommodate the whole regiment,
without using any of the private apartments of that
splendid palace.

King Joseph now menaced Madrid with 60,000
veteran infantry, 8,000 cavalry, and 84 pieces of

p. 145

1812.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 145

artillery, threatening Hill's communications with
Wellington through the Guadarama Pass. Mean-
time Clauset had fallen back before Wellington
through Burgos to Briviesca, on the other side of
the mountain; and Wellington, occupying Burgos,
had laid siege to the castle, which successfully
withstood jfive assaults.

Early in October, Clauset was superseded in com-
mand by General Souham, who had brought large
reinforcements from France. His army now
amounting to 44,000 troops, he advanced to the
relief of Burgos,

On the 21st of October, Wellington, being greatly
outnumbered, hastily abandoned Burgos, and retired,
making stands on the Pisuerga and Douro rivers,
sending word to Hill to join him in the latter
position.

Early in November, therefore, Hill, having blown
up the Retire in Madrid, with all its stores, retreated
by easy marches across the Guadarama Mountains ;
the French, uncertain of his strength, following
cautiously.

The 50th Regiment, with the 1st Brigade of
General Hill's Division, left the Escurial on the
1st of November to join in this movement.

Before General HilFs Division could succeed in
joining Lord Wellington on the Douro, the latter
found himself unable to maintain his position there ;
and fresh orders were sent to General Hill, who at

L 2

146 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1812.

once changed his direction, and marched on Alba
de Tornies, commanding one of the passages of the
River Tormes, which he reached on the 7th of
November, whore he formed the right of the army,
Wellington occupying Christoval on the other side of
the Tormes, and Calvariza Ariba in the centre. He
was opposed in this position by the united armies of
King Joseph and Souham,* numbering 90,000 veteran
troops, 12,000 of which were cavalry, and having 120
guns.

The castle of Alba de Tormes was occupied by
the 1st Brigade of the 2nd Division, under General
Howard, supported on his left by the 2nd Brigade
under General Hamilton.

A strong force of the enemy appeared on the
heights in front of the castle, on the morning of the
10th of November, which was believed to be a
reconnaissance. About 2 p.m. this force was largely
increased; and 18 guns, which included six 6-inch
howitzers, commenced firing on the castle, which,
placed on a rocky knoll hastily entrenched, scarcely
gave shelter from this tempest. Finally this post
was aided by four pieces from the left bank of the
river; and was defended with such gallantry that
the enemy dared not attack.

General Hill says, in his despatch of November
11th, 1812: ^*The enemy's light troops advanced

* General Souham was afterwards superseded by General
Drouet.

■ ^ifc f I 'r~w> -,i

1812.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 147

close to the walls, which had been hastily thrown up ;
but from the cool and steady conduct of the 50th
Regiment under Colonel Stewart, the 71st Regiment —
the Hon. Colonel Cadogan — and the 92nd Regiment
— Colonel Cameron— the enemy dared not attempt
the town. I feel much indebted to Major-General
Howard, and also to every officer and soldier of this
excellent brigade, for their steady, zealous, and
soldier-like quality."

The loss of the 50th Regiment amounted to 2
privates killed, 1 sergeant and 10 privates wounded.

Soult having thus unsuccessfully cannonaded the
castle of Alba de Tormes on the 10th November,
crossed the Tormes on the 14th, about eight miles
above that place, with tlie intention of turning our
right, and cutting off our retreat on Rodrigo.

Leaving 300 Spaniards in the castle of Alba de
Tormes, the bridge over the river being destroyed,
Wellington drew off Hill's Division, which, accom-
panied by the cavalry and some guns, was ordered
to attack the head of the French column. A race
now ensued between the two columns, but, by forced
marches, Hill's Division got the lead ; and when Soult
arrived at Tamames he found Hill in position there.
Assisted by the weather, which was wet and misty,
the rest of Lord Wellington's army now passed right
round the flank of the French army and gained the
roads leading to Rodrigo, on which they retired by
three roads on the 16th. This retreat, being through

148 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1812-13.

vast woods in very rainy weather, was accompanied
by much hardship from the incessant wet, and the
difficulties of the commissariat ; the troops often being
glad to feed on the acorns found in the forest, and
occasionally appropriating some of the pigs from the
many herds fed in the woods. (Captain Patterson).
A stand was made on the Huebra River, where a
skirmish took place, and some of our baggage suffered
from the enemy's cavalry.

On the 18th the retreat on Rodrigo was continued
under great difficulties, over a marshy and flooded
country, which caused great numbers of stragglers,
while the wounded had to be left behind to perish.*

The 50th Regiment was now' quartered in the
village of Robledo, where Charles Stewart, the
colonel of the regiment, died. Here they speedily
recovered from the hardships of their retreat, which
Sir W. Napier calculates cost the allies (including
the siege and retreat from Burgos) not less than
9,000 men, with much baggage. The regiment, now
commanded by Colonel J. B. Hamson, moved to the
town of Coria on the 30th, where Colonel Stewart
was buried.

On the 7th January the 50th left Coria and
marched to the large village of Monte Hermosa,
remaining there until the 8th of February, when
they marched through Santivanez, Aggal, Gihon, and

* The French army did not pass the Huebra River, so the
British wonnded were abandoned by both sides.

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 149

Banos, to Bejar, where they arrived about the 11th
of February.

The old town of Bejar, which the regiment was
told off to garrison, is an advanced post some distance
in front of a strong and almost impenetrable defile
in the mountains of Candaleria, not far from Banos,
where the rest of the brigade was quartered; and
it was also opposed by a Frencli force under General
Foy at Salamanca, about twelve leagues off. It stands
on the crest of a rocky eminence, and is partly
surrounded by old defences containing five gates;
but the walls were in a most dilapidated condition.
(See map, page 138).

The 50th Regiment was at once set to work to
repair (as far as could be done by loose stones
and clay) the many breaches in the crumbling walls,
and strong parties were told off to guard all the
weak places. But the defence, which embraced the
whole circuit of the scattered suburbs, was so
extensive, that the utmost vigilance was necessary
to guard against an attack, which was daily expected.
Though the weather was bitterly cold, every morning
an hour before daylight, the regiment occupied their
respective alarm posts.

On the night of the 19th February, word was
brought that General Foy's troops were advancing
to the attack, many of the officers being at the time
at a public ball. Very early on the morning of
the 20th the enemy's force, estimated at 2,000 men,.

150 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

with some cavalry, was discovered advancing along
tlie road from Salamanca; and as soon as it was
clear daylight, a strong attack was made on a piquet
of the regiment under Captain Benjamin Rowc,
posted in a farmhouse on the road. With desperate
obstinacy the piquet disputed every inch of ground,
till, overpowered by superior numbers, they were
compelled to fall back on the reserve posted near
the town. The enemy now made a determined
attack on the principal gate, where they were met
by a well-directed fire, from the party in charge of
the gate, under Lieutenant William Deighton of
the Grenadiers. Many volleys were exchanged, and
the French pressed on to within thirty or forty paces
of the walls; but they were met there by so
destructive a fire, that they were compelled to
retreat; and they did not again venture to attack
Be jar, during the remainder of the time the 50th
were there.

The collapse of Napoleon's gigantic expedition
against Russia having taken place while both armies
were still in winter quarters, Lord Wellington
recognised that the time had come to strike a
decisive blow against France. With this view he
went to Cadiz, and there obtained paramount military
authority over the Spanish and Portuguese troops.
He thus found himself at the head of a great army,
estimated by Sir W, Napier to number about
200,000 men.

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 151

Early in May, Wellington commenced his advance
by sending General Graham with a force of
40,000 men, destined to form the left wing across
the Tras Os Mountains, to turn the line of the Douro
by the Esla river ; while he himself followed on the
22nd of the same month, with a force of 30,000 men,
which included Hill's Division,* and formed the
right wing — the 50th Regiment with the rest of
the 1st Brigade having left Bejar and Lanos about
April 17th to join in this movement. The right
M'ing forced the passage of the Sonnes on the 26th
and reached the Douro on the 28th, which they
crossed eventually by a pontoon bridge. Wellington
now, leaving Hill in command, crossed the Douro at
Miranda by a basket slung across a deep ravine, and
joined General Graham's force, which, with infinite
difficulty, was forcing its way to the Esla. On the
1st of June, however, his van had crossed that river
and seized Zamora on the Douro.

On the 4th of that month, the two wings having
united and being reinforced by Spanish auxiliaries,
the allied army (which amounted to 100 guns and
90,000 men) moved forward in irresistible strength
against the scattered force of the enemy, who retired
before it (Napier's *^ Peninsula ''). The strong posi-
tions behind the Carion and Pisuerga rivers were in
turn abandoned, and King Joseph took up a position

* HiU's Division consisted of the following regiments: 28th,
29th, 31st, 34th, 39th, 50th, 57th, 66th, 71st, and 92nd.

152 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

in front of Burgos, while Reille was strongly posted on
tbe Hormoza stream, barring the road by that direction.
On the 12th Wellington sent his right wing against
Burgos, while with his left he outflanked Reille
and compelled him to retreat. Burgos being then
no longer tenable. King Joseph removed the stores,
mined the castle, which destroyed 300 of the enemy
in its fall, and retired to a fresh position in rear,
his centre covered by the fortress of Pancorba.

Lord Wellington then by a master-stroke moved
his whole army to new ground on their left near the
sources of the Ebro river, masking the movement by
his cavalry and by masses of Spanish auxiliaries.
He thus got in rear of the French, cutting them off
from the sea, and threatening their communications
with France, while at the same time he shifted his
base of operations to the port of Sant Andero, where
a dep6t and hospital station were at once established.
Then for six days, Wellington pressed steadily
onwards with all his divisions towards Vittoria.
Great difficulties impeded the transport of his
artillery through the rugged passes, but they were
overcome, and it was only from a chance encounter,
between Graham's force and Reille's column, in his
effort to reach Ordunna, that King Joseph learnt that
at least 6 divisions of the allies, were on his right
and rear. A hazardous retreat of the French
followed, and at great risk the King succeeded in
concentrating 60,000 men in the great basin of

(••III>ltN« fUl

-» '. > iiJ

Battle of
V 1 T T O R I A

Operations

bffhr€ t*nd a/fnr

The Action

y!. /"a* .^ro—

^^^— J J J. .,

P. 153

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 153

Vittoria; which was encumbered by baggage and
all the pares and depots withdrawn from Madrid,
Valladolid, and Burgos.

The basin of Vittoria in which the French had
taken up a position was eight miles broad by ten
long, Vittoria being at the further end. The Zadora,
narrow, and with rugged banks, after passing through
that town, flows through the Puebla defile towards
the Ebro, dividing the basin unequally, the larger
portion being on the left bank. A traveller coming
from Madrid would enter the basin by the Puebla
defile, breaking through a rough mountain ridge.
The town of Vittoria would then be eight miles in
front; the road to Bilbao crossing the Zadora by a
bridge near Ariago on his left, the Royal Road near
the centre, and the road to Pampeluna on the right.
(Sir W. Napier.)

The French disposition was as follows :

Reille was on the extreme right, where the Bilbao
and Duranga roads crossed the Zadora by the bridges
of Gamarra-Mayor and Ariago.

General Drouet occupied the centre, six or eight
miles from Gamarra, lining the Zadora towards the
Puebla defile, but on another front, as the stream
here tends round the Margarita height nearly at a
right angle towards the Puebla defile.

Gazan was on the left at the Puebla defile on an
easy range of heights covered by the river. His
right extended from an isolated hill in front of the

154 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

village of Margarita to the Royal Road ; his centre
was astride of this road, and his left occupied rugged
ground behind SubiJana-de-Alava, facing the Puebla
defile, with one brigade under Marensin on the ridge
beyond the defile.

This last position was the one which Hill's division,
(reinforced by Murillo's Spaniards and Sylviera's
Portuguese with cavalry and guns, in all about
20,000 men) was told oflF to attack.

At daybreak on the 2l8t of June the battle of
Vittoria began, the weather being rainy, with a
thick vapour.

Hill, who was separated by a ridge from the
British centre and left, was ordered to force the
passage of the Zadora, beyond the Puebla defile.
Here there were two bridges, that of Puebla beyond
the defile, and Nanclares at the French end of it,
facing Subijana-de-Alava. His dispositions were
made to assail Marensin with his right, and, as
soon as this attack was sufficiently developed, to
force the pass, seize the bridge of Nanclares, and
thus menace the French left. Witli this view, he
at once commenced the passage of the river beyond
the defile, and Morillo*s Spaniards attacked the
mountain, to the right of the great road held by
Marensin. Here Morillo was wounded, and the
French being continually reinforced. Hill ordered
up his first brigade. They halted at the base of the
heights, where the 71st, under Colonel Cadogan,

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 166

was pushed forward; and though suffering heavily
from the enemy's sharpshooters, and their colonel
being mortally wounded, they forced their way to
the summit, followed by the 50th and 92nd Regi-
ments. Here the brigade formed column and
advanced along the edge of the precipice, the 71st
still leading. The French resisted stubbornly,
retiring fighting from hill to hill, while every
available cover was taken advantage of by their
tirailleui-s, and our men and officers fell fast. On
one occasion the Tlst took possession of a strong
position, at the end of a broken promontory, where
the rocks formed a natural fortress of great strength.
It was commanded by a post, held by troops
which were presumed to be Spanish, as they made
no hostile movement. They were, however, French,
and this was a ruse to get the regiment well under
their fire ; and as soon as this design was accom-
plished, such a murderous fire was opened on them,
that the gallant regiment was almost cut to pieces,
and the remnant was compelled to fall back on the
rest of the brigade. For some time the fight was
doubtful, and so strongly did the French fight, that
the allies could hardly hold their ground. But
eventually, the whole extent of the ridge was won,
and the line of British and Spanish troops moved
steadily forward till all opposition ceased.

In the meantime Hill had crossed the Zadora with
his left, forced his way through the defile, and seized

166 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

the village of Subijana-de-Alava. Then connecting
this force with the now successful party on the
mouniain,* he resolutely held his position, until the
success of the centre column under Wellington, caused
the village of Arinez in rear of the enemy's right to
be occupied. The position of the French, hard
pressed in their front and on both flanks, became
untenable, and they were compelled to full back; and,
their centre being driven back about the same time,
the whole retired in disorder for about two miles,
seeking to regain the line of retreat to Vittoria. On
a height about a mile from that place, they con-
centrated 80 pieces of artillery, endeavoured to make
a final stand, and the British pursuit was temporarily
checked, until the 4th Division turned the position by
seizing a hill on the French left. King Joseph now
finding the Royal Road to be too much blocked by
baggage, to allow the passage of his artillery by that
route, indicated the road of Salvatiera as the line of *
retreat, and the whole force retired in that direction,
hard pressed by our troops, while the British light
cavalry galloped through Vittoria to endeavour to
intercept them. At the borders of a marsh the enemy
abandoned his artillery.

* It is not in the province of this work to detail the desperate
stmggle of Graham's force against Beille in the splendid advances
of the centre under Wellington himself, which are so vividly
described in Sir W. Napier's work, to which I am largely indebted
for the incidents of this campaign.

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 157

Reille's Division, though in great danger of being
cut off, eventually made good their retreat, and acted
as a rear guard from Metauca, to which place the
enemy were closely pursued.

The spoils on our side were immense ; French
carried off but two pieces of artillery. Marechal
Jourdan's baton, a stand of colours, 143 brass pieces,
all the pares and dep6ts from Madrid, Valladolid, and
Burgos, and all the carriages, ammunition, and
treasure, fell into our hands.

The loss of the 50th Regiment in the above
action consisted of — killed, 27 privates; wounded.
Captains A. Gordon and J. Gardiner, Lieutenants
Bower and Turner, Ensigns Williams and Reed,
and 70 privates.

Bang Joseph now sent Reille's corps to the
Bidasoa, and marched with Gazan and D'Erlon's
troops on Pampeluna, which they reached in so
disordered a condition that the governor refused
to allow them inside.

The 60th accompanied General Hill's Division to
Pampeluna, which was invested by the division on
the 22nd ; and on the 28th the King fled into France
by the Roncesvalles pass.

Early in July, without abandoning the investment
of Pampeluna, Hill detailed a part of his force
(which included the 1st Brigade) into the valley of
Bastan ; and the remainder of his division was after-
wards relieved in the blockade by Spanish troops.

158 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

Soult having superseded King Joseph in the chief
command, united the three beaten armies in one under
the title of the Army of Spain, and made prepara-
tions to advance, with over 300,000 men, to relieve
the invested fortresses of Pampeluna and San
Sebastian.

The principal passes through which he would have
to advance were those of Eoncesvalles and Col de
Maya, the latter being held by the two British
brigades of General Hill's Division under Brigadier-
General Stewart, while Campbell's Portuguese pre-
served the communication with Byng's and Morillo's
Brigades, guarding the Eoncesvalles Pass on our
right

The Col de Maya was menaced by D'Erlon's corps
from Espalette, and Urdax furnishing 18,000 bayonets.

The 1st Brigade marched into Elisonda on the
8th of July, and took up a position on an elevated
ridge about a league in front of that place. The
71st and 92nd Regiments were encamped near the
pass of Maya to the left of the road to Urdax and
Espellette; and the 50th bivouacked among some
trees about a mile to the right. There were two
smaller passes to our right, Lessessa and Aratesque,
the whole occupying about four miles.

A piquet of 80 men was stationed at the latter
pass supported by 4 light companies, a mile in rear
of the reverse slope.

At dawn on the 25th July, a glimpse had been

i^ /

r^'^^.:^^mm

p. f59

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 159

obtained of cavalry and infantry moving along the
hills . in front, and at 9 o'clock the 4 light com-
panies were ordered to support the piquet. They
had barely formed up with their left resting on the
rock of Aratesque, when D'Armagnac's Division
mounted the hill in front, followed by Abbe's
Division, while Marensin's Division attacked the
passes on our left.

D'Armagnac's Division, pushing forward in several
columns, forced the piquet back, and the light com-
panies sustained the vehement assault with infinite
difficulty. The alarm guns were now fired from the
Maya Pass. The 34th was the first regiment to come
up, by companies, followed later and on lower ground
by the 39th and 28th. Meantime the 1st Brigade
formed up on the highest part of the ridge, near the
Col de Maya.

The 34th, though fighting splendidly in conjunc-
tion with the piquet and light companies, were un-
able to hold the ground against the overwhelming
numbers of the enemy, and were forced back.
Colonel Fenwick, their commander, was severely
wounded. The French were thus left in possession
of this pass, but Cameron,* seeing that the 34th
were hard pressed, sent the 50th Regiment to their
assistance. They surprised a part of D'Armagnac's

* Colonel Cameron, commanding the 92nd, -was in temporary-
command of the brigade, as Brigadier- General Stewart had not
arrived from Elisonda.

160 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

Division, just as they had gained the summit of the
Lessessa Pass in the centre, and, immediately charg-
ing, drove them clean out of the pass.* They then
joined the 31th Regiment, and these regiments
poured a destructive fire on the advancing foe.
But Abbe's Division having arrived, they were
again compelled to fall back, and the 50th Regiment
now retired on the position taken up by the 92nd
Regiment.

Here they formed in line t in front of about 5,000 of
the enemy, who advanced in contiguous columns.
The Regiment, undaunted by numbers, charged, and
crossing bayonets with the confident foe, threw them
into confusion. The loss of the regiment was so
severe, that it was obliged to retire a short distance,
when it again charged, crossing bayonets a second
time with the imposing column, who, confident in
their great numerical superiority, rallied after each
charge, and kept up such a destructive fire as reduced
the regiment in a short time to about half the number
it brought into action. The regiment again retired

• Sir W. Napier, writing of this charge of the 50th, says : " That
fierce and formidable old regiment charging the head of an
advancing column, drove it clear out of the pass of Lessessa.

f The description of the subsequent splendid charges of the
regiment from " here thej formed in line " is taken almost
verbatim from a document in the War Office.

Patterson says the 50th were supported by the 39fch ; but this
must be an error, if Sir W. Napier is right in saying " the 39th
and 28th were cut off from the others, and forced back to a
second and lower ridge crossing the main road to Elizonda."

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 161

in the steadiest manner about 200 paces, and it was
again preparing to charge when an order was
received to retire to a rocky ridge a little in rear,
where it was followed by the 92nd Regiment, who
had lost two-thirds of their numbers, in this gallant
struggle.

Finally, all the positions in front were lost, and the
four Portuguese guns on our left taken, General
Stewart taking up a second and eventually a third
position in rear ; but it was not until the arrival of
General Barnes's Brigade of the 7th Division, that
even this last position was secure.

The Regiment suffered very severely in this
action, especially the grenadier company. Captain
Ambrose, who commanded them, was mortally
wounded ; and, calling his sergeant, gave him his
sword, saying, " The enemy shall never have it I "
His subaltern. Lieutenant Deighton, was also killed
with his cap on his sword, cheering on the men.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hill was severely wounded after
the second charge, and the temporary command of
the regiment devolved on Major J. D. Campbell.

The total loss of the regiment was — killed,
Captain Ambrose, Lieutenants H. Burchill, and
Deighton, Ensign White, and 40 privates; wounded,
Lieutenant-Colonel Hill, Captains Grant, North, and
Rudkin, Lieutenants Nowlan, Patterson,* Jones,

• Captain Patterson, the author of "Adventures of Captain
John Patterson," frequently referred to in this work, was

M 2

162 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

l*lunket, Crofton, Ensigns Richards and Bateman,
and 90 privates.

That night, the 25th, Hill collected his division
and retired to Irueta, fifteen miles from the scene of
action, leaving a Portuguese brigade in front of
Elizonda. In this position he covered the roads to
San Esteven and Berderes, and the pass of Vellate in
his rear. This position he maintained till the 27th,
when he marched during the night through the pass
of Vellate to Lanz, which he reached on the 28th,
and marched the same day to Lizasso, in rear of
which he took up a position on a ridge covering the
road to Marcalain. (See map, page 159.)

Meantime the pass of Roncesvalles had been
abandoned after hard fighting, and Soult advancing
in great strength with his main army, Picton retired
before him. Eventually, assisted by Cole's Division,
and by Spanish and Portuguese auxiliaries, he took
up a strong position on a rocky ridge covering
Pampeluna. On the 27th Soult made an attack on
a hill on our right of the position held by Spanish
troops, but was repulsed.

On the 28th Wellington brought 6,000 men into
the allies' line of battle, covering Pampeluna, and
15,000 more into military communication with their
left.

On the 28th Soult vehemently attacked the allied

wounded in the above affair, and his valuable descriptions of the
actions of the regiment cease from this date.

JhlAjn

PAMPELUNA
J\ily 1813,

Pnnpehuia

P. 163

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 163

position, meeting with a temporary success on our
left, owing to the giving way of a Portuguese
battalion, but, assisted by the opportune arrival of
the 6th Division from Lizasso, the allies succeeded
in beating off the attack, and in holding their
position, although only with desperate fighting, and
with heavy losses on both sides.

On the 29th both armies occupied their respective
positions, and Hill sent all his baggage, artillery, and
wounded to Berioplano, on the great road to Tolosa.

On the 30th Soult, being unable to supply his
army so far from his dep6ts, commenced a retreat
towards the valley of Bastan; and, to cover it,
D'Erlon, who with his four divisions had remained
inactive after forcing the pass of Maya, was ordered
to advance by Lanz and Etalain to Lizasso, which,
it will be remembered, was covered by Hill's position
in rear of the Marcalain ridge. Thus the same
troops, who met at the pass of Maya, were again
opposed. On arrival, D'Erlon at once made pre-
parations to attack. Hill's right was strongly posted
on rugged ground; but his left, prolonged towards
Buenza, was insecure. D'Armagnac's Division was
ordered to make a false attack on his right. Abbe's
Division, followed by Maransin, was to turn his left
and gain the summit of the ridge. The cavalry
commenced these attacks, and La Martiniere's
Division, coming from Lanz, brought up the rear.
Soult was present in person. D'Armagnac, pushing

164 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

his feint too far, became seriously engaged, and was
beaten by the Portuguese and 28th Regiment ; while
on our left the French divisions were repeatedly
repulsed. Abbe, however, eventually gained the
summit of the mountain, wliich turned our left, and,
the position being no longer tenable, Hill threw back
his left and retired to the height of Yguaras between
Arestegui and Berasin. There, uniting with Camp-
bell and Morillo, he again offered battle.

In this affair Hill lost 400 men, and the 50th
Regiment once more distinguished themselves by
a charge, in which they for a third time crossed
bayonets with the enemy, and in which Lieutenants
Bartley and Power were taken prisoners.

In the meantime, the capture of Sorauren, and the
success of the allies under Picton on our right,
driving back the French left, together with Picton's
rapid advance, had isolated Soult's forces ; and the
position taken up -by Hill behind Marcalain (which
was now also supported by the 7th Division) menacing
his retreat by Lizasso, he was compelled to retreat by
the Donna Maria Pass. During the night of the
30th he commenced his retreat, leaving D'Erlon's
Division to follow as a rearguard.

On the 31st Hill followed with the 1st and 7th
Divisions ; and at 10 a.m. he overtook the rear-
guard, part of which only succeeded in gaining a
wood on the summit of the pass under fire of his
guns. General Stewart at once attacked this position

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 165

with the 1st Brigade of the 2nd Division, when the
50th Regiment were again engaged; but General
Stewart was wounded, and the attack of the 1st
Brigade failed. Later, however, the position was
taken by the 2nd Brigade; and the 7th Division
having also been successful on the right, the enemy
retreated. A thick fog soon put an end to the
pursuit.

Captain Wemyss, 50th Regiment (acting Brigade
Major), was killed here ; and Hill's Division lost
close on 400 men.

In accordance with orders Hill now fell back to
Lizasso, from whence he marched to Almandoz,
leaving the 7th Division to continue the pursuit.

Soult halted at Estevan on the Ist of August, and
Wellington made strenuous efforts to surround his
column.

Wellington had 3 Britii^h and 1 Spanish division
behind the mountains overlooking Estevan. General
Alten, with the Light Division, had received orders
on the 31st, and, in conjunction with Graham's
Spaniards, was marching to intercept the head of the
French colunms, at Vera and Echallar. The 7tli
Division was in their rear at Donna Maria. Byng
was at Maya, and Hill was marching by Almandos to
join him.

On the 1st of August, before there was time to
complete these dispositions, most unfortunately, three
stragglers were captured, who revealed the position

166 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

of the allies ; and within half an hour Soult^s
Division was on the march, by Sumbilla and Yanzi.
After nineteen hours' consecutive marching, the Light
Division reached his leading column at Yanzi ; and
towards evening the bridge was taken and the route
barred. The confusion in the narrow and rocky-
valley was indescribable, and the French loss
immense ; yet they were able to escape by Sumbilla
to Echallar. Nor did Soult's rearguard under
Clauset fare much better, for the skirmishers of
Cole's Division and O'DonnePs Spaniards opened a
heavy fire upon them from the height above Estevan,
which he was unable to return. His baggage was
taken, many of his troops were dispersed, and it
required the personal exertions of Soult himself to
prevent a total rout.

That night Soult rallied his divisions about
Echallar, his right at Ivantelly communicating with
Villate's Division near the Great Rhune Mountain.*
The next morning his left, under Clausel, was driven
back by the splendid action of General Barnes's
Brigade of the 7th Division ; and he fell back and
took up a new position beyond the Pass of Echallar,
his right resting on the Ivantelly Mountain.

The position was very strong ; but, without wait-
ing for reinforcement, 6 companies of riflemen,
supported by 4 of the 43rd, fought their way up

* Villate's Division had been watching St. Sebastian from
Iran, on the opposite side of the Bidasoa river.

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 167

without a check to the summit, and the night fell on
the French retiring in disorder.

Wellington had now succeeded iu driving back the
army intended for the relief of Pampeluna and San
. Sebastian with great loss; and Soult, having taken
up a permanent defensive position behind the
Bidasoa, Wellington made a corresponding move-
ment, in which Hill's Division held the Alduides and
the Roncesvalles Pass, and both armies rested from
their labours.

Lord Wellington then turned his attention to the
sieges of Pampeluna, and San Sebastian.

The battering train for the latter, arrived from
England, on the 19th of August, and the works were
taken on the 31st, after a most sanguinaiy assault,*
the gai-rison retreating to the strongly fortified
position of Monte Orgullo. On the 9th of September
this was surrendered.

The day San Sebastian was taken, Soult, who was
kept informed of the progress of the siege from the
sea face, (which in the absence of a fleet could not be
properly blockaded), made an attempt to relieve it,

* Three generals — Leitli, Oswald, and Bobinson — were
wounded in the trenclies, Sir R. Fletcher (chief engineer) was
killed, Colonel Burgoyne (seirond engineer) wounded; and the
carnage at the breaches was appalling. The volunteers, though
brought late into the action, lost nearly half their numbers;
most of the regiments of the 5th Division suffered in the same
proportion; and the whole loss since the renewal of the siege
exceeded 2,500. (Sir W. Napier.)

168 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

and a fierce struggle took place, principally on the
St. Marcial range covering the fords of the Bidasoa,
which was repulsed at all points. Hill's Division,
though not engaged, was directed to show the head
of their column towards St. Jean Pied de Port, thus
menacing the enemy's flank.

Early in November, "Wellington determined to
attack Soult's position. With this view, Hill's
Division was moved to Bastan on the 6th and 7th
of November, Minar being left to hold the Ronces-
valles Pass.

Ninety thousand combatants, and 95 pieces of
artillery, were prepared for ihe attack on the 10th.
Of these 26,000 men and 9 guns were under
Hill,* who was ordered to attack the left of the
French position. Beresford and Alten's columns
of attack were on his left, and Sir J. Hope's
column held the French right in check in front of
Bayonne.

During the night of the 9th Hill moved by the
different passes of the Col de Maya, and, after a long
and diflicult march, he neared the enemy a little
after 7 a.m. on the 10th, near the bridge of Amolz.
Sending Morillo and Minar against the fortified spur,
extending from Mount Atchulegue to Mount Mon-

* General Hill had under his comniand the 2nd and 6th
Divisions, Hamilton's Portuguese, Morillo's Spaniards, 4of Minar's
battalions, Grant's Brigade of Light Cavalry, and 9 guns.

Sir J. Hope, who was second in command to Lord Wellington,
had recently taken over Graham's Division.

Brtttlt- ofthr Nivelle.

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Ri^lit .\L.-di

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P. 169

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S. OWN) REGIMENT. 169

darin, where they held tlie enemy in check, he
advanced with the 2nd Division and drove the
French from Urdax and Ainhoa, while the 6th
Division, with Hamilton's Portuguese on their right,
passed the Nivelle river to Hill's left, and threatened
the bridge of Amotz. The Spanish troops continued
to occupy the attention of the French on the
Atchulegue ridge, while an attack was made on
the redoubts beyond, wl)ich were placed along the
crest of a ridge thickly covered with bushes, and
having a deep ravine in front. Clinton, with the
6th Division, turned this ravine on the left, and
drove the enemy from the half-finished work covering
the bridge, and then wheeled against the redoubt
on the French right of this position, which was
thereupon abandoned. Hamilton menaced the second
redoubt, and Hill, with the 2nd Division, stormed
the third. The French then, setting fire to their
camp, retreated towards San Pe, followed by the
6th Division ; and the French brigade defending
Atchulegue ridge retreated towards Espelette and
Cambo, followed by the Spaniards. The 50th
Regiment was in support in the above affair. Mean-
time the columns on Hill's left had carried the
positions assigned them with splendid gallantry ;
and he was now in communication with Beresford
by the bridge of Amotz. The bridge in front of.
San Pe had been seized by the 3rd Division ; and
though the French still endeavoured to hold on

170 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

to a strongly fortified ridge in the centre, they
were not able to stand before the Light Division.
They were compelled to retreat across the Nivelle
by the fords in rear of Harastegui, and by the bridge
in rear of Ascain, having the fortified camp of
Serre beliind it. Hither Soult had hurried, on the
first alarm, with all his reserve artillery and spare
troops ; but he was held in check by Sir J. Hope's
column.* Wellington then, leaving Cole, Alten,
and Giron to watch the bridge near Serres, as soon as
the 6th Division was sufficiently advanced, crossed
the bridge at San Pe with two divisions, and drove
the French from a strong position in which they
bad rallied in rear of that bridge. The French left
and centre had thus been driven back in confusion
and their columns separated, when, darkness coming
on, further operations were suspended.

On the 11th Hope, on the left, forded the Nivelle
above St. Jean de Luz, and marched on Bidart.
Beresford moved on Arbonne, and Hill communicated
witli him on his right, while his own right was on
the Atchulegue ridge and his centre faced Cambo.
Soult also took up a new line of fortified camps, and,

* For a fuller account of these most interesting operations I
must refer readers to Napier's " Peninsula War."

Sir J. Hope, who was ordered to make a false attack on the
extreme left, had taken the enemy's works of Sans Culotte and
Uroque in front of St. Jean de Luz. Here he occupied Reille's
and Velatte's Divisions, threatening the camp at Belchena and the
bridge near Ascain.

l*|f<tnitiiiiiiJT nnturt

1813 _1814.

7;/ .. rf.itr .^

11 J 4^1 S 41)11.

p. 171

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 171

again retiring on the following day, took up a strong
position on the ridge of Beyris, in front of Bayonne,
his right resting on Anglet, his left on the fortified
camp of Bayonne.

On this date also (12th) Hill was directed to
menace the fortified bridge head at Cambo, and to
endeavour to repair the broken bridge at Ustaritz,
but owing to the heavy rain the river was unfordable,
and both operations failed. The attack on the
Cambo bridge was, however, renewed on the 14th,*
when the 50th Regiment having entered Cambo, the
enemy blew up the bridge and abandoned the tete-
du-pont. The destruction of this bridge having now
rendered our right flank secure, and the heavy rain
having made the roads impracticable, the troops went
into cantonments.

By the above operations Soult liad been driven
from his strong mountain position, which he had
been fortifying for three months, with a loss of 4,265
officers and men, including 1,200 to 1,400 prisoners.
One general had been killed, all his field magazines at
St. Jean de Luz and Espellette were captured, and
51 pieces of artillery were taken.

The allies had 2 generals, Kempt and Byng,
wounded, and 2,694 officers and men killed and
wounded.

* The 14th is the date given in the details in a paper at the
War Office. Napier gives the date as the 16th.

172 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

In December Wellington determined to force the
passage of the Nivc, a navigable river uniting with
the Adour at Bayonne.

Hill, with the 2nd Division, Hamilton's Portuguese,
some cavalry, and 14 guns, was ordered to ford that
river at Cambo, and near Lahousoa ; while Beresford
with the 3rd and 6th Divisions was ordered to throw
a pontoon bridge over, and cross at Ustaritz, on Hill's
left.

In accordance with these directions, at daybreak
on the 9th December, Hill, covered by the fire of his
artillery, gave orders to force the passage in three
columns above, two below Cambo; and the 50th
Regiment, under Brevet-Major Gordon,* led the
advance and forded the river breast high in a rapid
current, under a heavy fire of musketry, routing
the enemy on the opposite bank, though the French
were strongly posted and the fords were so deep that
several horsemen were drowned. The bridge at
Cambo was then speedily repaired ; and Hill, leaving
a brigade to cover it, moved with the rest of his
troops to Lormenthoa to co-operate with Beresford.
Here he was joined by the 6th Division, the 3rd
Division being left to cover the bridge of Ustaritz.
A Portuguese brigade captured Villefranque after a
sharp fight, and a brigade of the 2nd Division con-
nected this with the rest of the division. Simul-

* Major Gordon was promoted for this service to a lieuteBant-
colonelcy.

p. 173

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 173

taneously Hope had advanced the left wing threaten-
ing Bayonne. Thus the two wings of our army were
separated by a navigable river ; and Soult seized the
opportunity to act against one wing with his united
force. With this view D'Erlon's force was brought
across the river ; and at dawn on the 10th a strong
force was concentrated to attack Hope's wing, which
was scattered in cantonments, owing to the heavy
rain of the previous night. But though greatly
outnumbered, the left wing maintained their position
against repeated attacks, until Wellington brought
the 3rd and 6th Divisions across the^iver. Mean-
time Wellington, who had been on the other side of
the river when the attack began, obsei-ving that the
enemy had abandoned the heights in front of Hill's
Division, ordered him to occupy them.

An attack was made on Hope's left the following
day (11th), and some cavalry were sent across the
river to check Hill. But on the 12th heavy firing
only, continued between the opposing forces on the
left bank.

Soult now seeing he could not repulse our left
wing, brought 7 divisions across the river to attack
our right. Hill's position there occupied about
two miles. On his left Pringle's Brigade occupied a
wooded and broken ridge, crowned by the chateau
of Villefranque, and covering the new bridge that
Wellington had thrown across the river there. The
right was held by Byng on the Partouhii'ia ridge.

174 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

a strong position having a small mill-pond which
nearly filled the valley in its front.

The centre was held by the Ist Brigade under
Stewart. It occupied a crescent-shaped height
broken by rocks and brushwood on the left, but the
ground in front of the right was covered by hedges,
one of which, 100 yards in front, was impracticable.*
Ashworth's Portuguese and 12 guns occupied the
centre in advance, behind which, on the left of the
road from St. Pierre, were the 7lst and 50th, the
92nd being behind that village.

One mile in front of this position rose the line of
heights occupied by the French, having a broad open
basin between them.

On the night of the 12th the river, flooded by
heavy rain, carried away the bridge on our left.

On the morning of the 13th, under cover of a thick
mist, Soult advanced against our position with
7 divisions, while an 8th, reinforced by cavalry,
threatened our rear.

Thus 35,000 of the enemy attacked Hill, who had
less than 14,000 men, and was partly isolated by the
carrying away of the bridge on his left.

Daricau's column was directed against our left
and D'Armagnac's against our right, whilst Abbe
attacked our centre with great vigour ; and so rapidly

* This hedge being impracticable proved of great value. If it
had been practicable the 50th could not have held the wood at the
critical period of this fight.

1813.] (THE QTTEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 175

did the latter win ground on our right of Ashworth's
Portuguese, that he gained a small wood on their flank ;
and the 7lst, the right wing of the 50th, and 2 guns
were sent to their aid — ^the 71st reinforcing the
Portuguese, while the wing of the 50th recaptured
the wood. This, however, weakened our centre at
the moment that Abb6 succeeded in gaining the
summit, compelling the Portuguese and the other
half of the 50th who were supporting them to retire.
Then General Barnes advanced with the 92nd Regi-
ment, and charged into the French column, which
gave way.

Soult now advanced a battery of Horse Artillery,
and under cover of a very heavy artillery fire,
brought up his second column of attack, before
which the Portuguese guns, and the 92nd retired
behind St. Pierre. At this critical moment the
71st also retired, through an error of their colonel.
Thus, the French had gained the centre of our
position.* Ashworth's Portuguese were shattered to
atoms. Generals Stewart and Barnes and most of
their staff were wounded, and matters seemed despe-
rate, yet the 50th still held the small wood on our
right front, where they repulsed the repeated attacks
made on them.

* Referring to the important moment when onr centre was
broken, Sir W. Napier quotes the following from Pringle, R.E.:
" How desperately did the 50th and Portuguese fight to give time
for the 92nd to rally and re-form behind St. Pierre."

176 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1813.

Sir W. Napier says : ** The right wing of the 50th
and Ashworth's Cacadores never lost the small wood
in our front, upholding the fight there and towards
the high road with such unflinching courage that the
92nd had time to re-form behind St. Pierre. Then
Colonel Cameron led it forward against the enemy's
centre, colours flying and music playing, and General
Hill, who had witnessed the disastrous retreat of the
71st at once descended from his post of observation,
bringing that regiment forward again on our left, lead-
ing the attack himself, while Stewart brought forward
the Portuguese reserves ; and, on our right, the 50th,
changing from defence to attack, charged into and
routed a strong column of the enemy, which had
advanced with great intrepidity, to within fifteen pace^
of them." *

Then, the enemy's column, unable to withstand
this new conformation, was overthrown. Pringle's
column on our left had also been successful in repulsing
the attack after desperate fighting, while the assault
on our right, though at first partly successful (one of
D'Armagnac's brigades having actually got in their
rear), was eventually repulsed. Thus Hill was
successful at all points, at the moment that Welling-

* I can find no record of the left wing of the 50th Regiment,
after the retreat of Ashworth's Portuguese ; but they probably
joined the right half battalion in holding the wood on our right
front, as both the War Office Records and the Orderly Room
Records, speak of the regiment there as a wbole and not as a half
battalion.

1813.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 177

ton, having had the bridge of hoats repaired, brought
the 6th, 4th, and 3rd Divisions across the river in
support, and, at once taking the offensive, drove the
enemy back to their heights !

Sir W. Napier says : *^ It is agreed by French and
English that the battle of St. Pierre was one of the
most desperate of the whole war. Wellington said
he had never seen a field so thickly strewn with
dead; nor can the vigour of the combatants be
well denied, where 5,000 combatants were killed or
wounded in three hours, on a space of one mile
square."

Captain North, and Lieutenants Keddle and
Plunket of the 50th Regiment, were wounded, the
latter severely, when charging at the head of the
grenadiers ; and the loss of the regiment in killed and
wounded was severe.

Very wet weather and bad roads, rendered the
movement of troops almost impracticable for a time ;
but Wellington was anxious for many reasons to
advance beyond the Adour — among others, to enable
him to invest Bayonne, and to give him the com-
mand of a fertile country in France, on the good
roads of which his cavalry and artillery could move
with greater facility.

With this view, he determined to throw a bridge
over the Adour between Bayonne and the sea — an
undertaking of such unexampled difficulty,* that the

* For the difficalties of constraction of this great bridge,

N 2

178 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1814.

enemy had taken no steps to prevent it. But as,
in the face of serious opposition, this would have
been impossible, he determined, at the same time to
attack Soult*s left, with the double object of pre-
venting him from opposing the formation of the
bridge, and giving himself another means of crossing
the Adour, should the attempt at formation of this
great bridge prove unsuccessful.

At this period, Soult, leaving 14,000 men in
Bayonne under D'Erlon, had, with the remainder of
his army,* taken up a very strong position with his
right resting on the Adour, on the opposite bank of
which Foy was in possession of the fortified position
of Peyrehorade. Soult's position stretched from
thence towards St. Jean Pied de Port, having the
rivers Joyeuse, Bidouze, and Soisons in his front,
and a line of retreat behind the broad Gaves of
Oleron and Pau, branches of the Adour. (See map,
page 173.)

Toward the middle of February severe frost
rendered the roads practicable ; and on the 12th and
13th of that month Hill's Division, which had
remained watching the MousseroUes face of Bayonne,
was relieved, and took post about Urcurray and
Hasparen. On the 14th, Hill marched in two

see Napier*s "History of the War in the Peninsula," vol. vi.
p. 78, Chandos Classics edition.

* Sonlt's army had been weakened by the withdrawal of several
divisions.

1814.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 179

columns, the left one to turn the Joyeuse river
at Bonloc, the right to dislodge the French under
Harispe, from the great road leading to St. Jean Pied
de Port. Both these operations were successful, and
St. Jean Pied de Port was invested. (See map at
p. 173.)

On the 15th, leaving the 67th Regiment at
Hellette on the above-mentioned great road, Hill
moved with his united columns, through Meharin
upon the Garris mountain, to which strong position
Harispe had retired ; and the latter had hardly taken
up his position, when Hill drove in his rearguard,
and took up a position on an opposite and parallel
ridge. Just then Wellington arrived, and his
expression, " You must take the hill before dark,"
was heard, and repeated by the colonel of the 39th,
by whom, supported by the 28th, that duty was
successfully performed ; the rest of the division then
advancing Harispe again retired. On the 16th, Hill
crossed the Bidouze at St. Palais, the cavalry and
artillery by the bridge at that place, which had been
repaired, and the infantry by the fords. The follow-
ing day Hill marched at 8 o'clock in the morning by
Domenzain, on the Soisons river, and in conjunction
with the 3rd Division moved on Arriveriette, the
bridge at which place was seized, and the French
retired on the 18th.

During the last three days of the above operations,
the 60th Regiment was engaged in several skirmishes,

180 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIEl'H [1814.

in one of which Lieutenant and Adjutant John Myles
was mortally wounded.

Hill now took possession of all the villages along
the great road from Navarens to Sauveterre, and
cannonaded the double bridge head over the Gave
d'Oleron at the latter place. On the 24th, the other
divisions having been brought up, Wellington deter-
mined to force the passage of this Gave. With this
view, the Light Division crossed the river Soisons,
and forded the Gttve d'Oleron at Monfort above
Sauveterre without opposition ; and Hill watching
Navarens with Morillo's Spaniards, advanced with
the 2nd Division, 3 battalions of artillery, some
cavalry, and pontoons, to the ford of Villenave,
which ho also passed without opposition, with only
the loss of 2 men drowned.

The cold was intense, the river was so deep and
rapid, and the ford was so narrow, that his division
was not over before dark. In connection with this
movement, the 3rd Division was ordered to make a
false attack on the bridge at Sauveterre, while the
7th Division threatened Peyrehorade.

Soult now ordered a retreat on the strong fortified
position of Orthes; and on the 25th, the 2nd, 6th,
and Light Divisions, Hamilton's Portuguese, and
some cavalry and artillery, were massed in front of
that place, and the bridge over the Gave de Pau at
Berenx was repaired.

On the 26th Beresford finding that the works

r.rrnu,l,- (^u*Tr^

P. (81

1814.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 181

at Peyrehorade had been abandoned, passed the
river partly by fords and partly by pontoons, and
took possession ; and thereupon the 3rd Division
passed at Berenx, and all the British columns con-
verged on Orthes. On this date also Hope had
completed his bridge over the Lower Adour, and
Bayonne was invested; and the Port de Land
having been seized, he was now in connection with
Wellington.

At dawn on the 27th Picton's Division occupied a
wooded height about cannon-shot from the French
left of Orthes, covering the road from Peyrehorada ;
and Beresford occupied the ridge of Baights, with
the 7th Division on his left, on the Dax road, having
St. Boes in his front. There was a mile and a
half of ground between Beresford and Picton, about
the centre of which rose the height called the Roman
Camp, nearly opposite to the French centre, which
having a swamp in front of it seemed to forbid
attack.

Wellington immediately moved the Light and 6th
Divisions across the river, by a pontoon bridge that
had been constructed during the night ; the latter
division supporting Picton on his right, while the
former occupied the Roman Camp, and connected him
with Beresford.

Hill remained opposite the bridge of Orthes.
The 3rd and 6th Divisions won without difficulty,
the lower part of the ridges opposite them ; but the

182 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1814.

real attack was at St. Boes. There, with desperate
gallantry, Ross's Brigade of the 4th Division, with
Vasconcelli's Portuguese, broke through the scattered
houses in front of St. Boes, only to be crushed by
Taupin's troops massed in front, by a heavy fire of
skirmishers on each flank, and by a murderous fire
from the heavy guns massed on the hill, in the centre
of Soult's position, and on the Dax road in rear. For
three hours, they strove in vain to break through, to
the more open ground beyond. Five times was the
attack repeated, and as many times repulsed, with
great slaughter, while Ross was dangerously wounded;
nor was Picton more successful on the other flank,
with the 3rd and 6th Divisions.

Then Wellington, supporting Ross's Brigade with
Anson's, and massing troops on the Dax Road in
rear, ordered Picton to attack the French left in
mass. Hill to force the passage of the Gave, and
the 52nd Regiment to. cross the marsh and attack the
hill in front. Colonel Golbourne led his regiment
across under fire, sometimes sinking up to the men's
middles ; then, forming line beyond, they dashed up
the hill, overthrowing a French regiment opposed to
them, their unexpected appearance throwing Reille's
forces into some confusion, while they took Taupin's
masses in reverse. At the same time Picton was
successful on the French left; and driving in Foy's
Division, he seized the high ground in rear of Soult's
position, occupied by D'Armagnac's Division, and

1814.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 183

established a battery of guns on a high knoll there,
which ploughed through the French masses. Aided
by these movements, the narrow neck of land in front
of St. Boes was won ; and the 4ith and 7th Divisions,
and Vivian's cavalry, with 2 batteries of artillery,
were pushed through and established beyond.
Simultaneously Hill (opposed at the town and bridge
of Orthes by Harispe's and Villatte's Divisions under
Glauset, who had a battalion guarding the ford of
Sonars), unable to force the bridge, crossed the river
above Souars ; and, driving back the troops opposed
to him, seized the heights beyond, thereby cutting off
the town of Orthes, and intercepting the French
retreat on Pau. There Hill, learning of the success
of the other attacks from the firing, advanced along
the ridge in rear of Soult's position, parallel to
another ridge, which was now Soult's only line of
retreat, and converging on it at Sal Spice.

Both wings of Wellington's army having now
joined, were forcing back the French, who were
vigorously contesting every bit of groimd, when
the imminent danger of being cut off by Hill at
Sal Spice, rendered their retreat hurried and confused.
Hill, observing this, quickened his pace, till at last
both sides began to run violentl)'^ ! Many men broke
from the French ranks across the fields, towards the
fords; and such a rush was made to gain the
bridge of Sault de Navailles, that the whole country
was covered with scattered bands. The cavalry

184 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1814.

sabred several hundred, many prisoners were taken,
and thousands of conscripts threw down their arms.
The pursuit only ceased at the river Beam. Welling-
ton himself was wounded in this affair; the 50th
Regiment suffered but little loss.

That night, Soult, having rallied his troops,
retreated across the Adour at St. Sever on Barcelone,
leaving D'Erlon with two divisions at Caceres on
the right bank, and Clauset, with Harispe's and
Villatte's Divisions, at Aire, on the left bank. (See
upper map, page 181.)

The next morning, February 28th, at daylight,
Wellington pursued in three columns; Hill, with
the right column, marching through St. Medard to
Samadet, the other columns crossed the Adour at
St. Sever and skirmished with D'Erlon's troops,
which were driven back the next day, the 1st of
March, on Barcelone; and Hill, marching from
Samadet, reached the Adour River between St.
Sever and Aire. That night heavy floods carried
away the pontoon bridges over the Adour, and the
main body on the right bank, being cut off from
their supplies, halted till the bridges could be
repaired.

On the 2nd Hill, who being on the left bank
was not affected by the destruction of the bridges,
moved on Aire in two columns,* expecting little

• Hiirs force consisted of two divisions of infantry, one brigade
of cavalry, and a battery of horse artillery.

1814.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 185

opposition. But Clauset was in line of battle there,
having his troops posted in a strong position on
a steep ridge in front of Aire, high and wooded
on his right, where it overlooked the river, but
merging on his left into a wide tableland, over
which the road to Pau led.

The two British brigades of the 2nd Division, under
Stewart, were at once sent against the French right,
and the Portuguese against the centre. Stewart
successfully attacked the hill on our left, driving back
the enemy; but the Portuguese failed in their attack
on the centre and, being vigorously charged by the
French, were put to flight. The other troops under
Hill being still on the march, Stewart at once detached
the 50th and 92nd Regiments to aid the Portuguese ;
and " the vehement charge of these troops turned the
stream of fight : the French were broken in turn, and
thrown back on their reserves." Here Lieutenant
Duncan McDonnel, 50th Regiment, was killed at the
head of his company. Then Byng*s Brigade having
come up, the French were driven right through the
town of Aire, which was entered, and taken posses-
sion of by the 1st Brigade.

Two French generals were wounded, a colonel of
engineers was killed, 100 prisoners were taken, and
many of the conscripts threw away their arms and
returned home. All the magazines at Aire fell into
our hands. Harispe, however, succeeded in crossing
the river Lees and breaking down the bridge.

186 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH 1814.

Soult now retreated by both banks of the river
Adour towards Maubourget and Marciac.

The above operations had thus resulted, not
only in compelling the French entirely to abandon
Bayonne, but also in cutting them off from Bor-
deaux, their only line of retreat being now towards
Toulouse.

Wellington took the opportunity of sending a force
under Beresford to seize Bourdeaux, which he took
possession of on the 12th of March, and Beresford at
once returned, leaving the 7th Division to hold it.
The pursuit of the enemy was necessarily delayed, till
the return of his troops.

The position of the allied army concentrated round
Aire and Barcelone, was divided by the river Adour.
Soult endeavoured to take advantage of this, by acting
against one portion. With this view he gathered his
divisions at Maubourget on the 12th inst., and on the
13th endeavoured to seize the high tableland between
Pau and Aire. The heads of his column pointed on
Aire, intercepting the line between Viella and Gar-
lins, held by Hill's right, and menacing his posts on
the Great Lees. Hill crossed that river to support his
posts; but during the night he recrossed, and
occupied the strong position between Aire and
Garlins, which Soult had intended to seize; and
the 3rd and 6th Divisions and the heavy cavalry
were sent to Hill's support.

On the 14jth, Soult, having driven in the outposts,

c k,-.itu4\>r1

P. (87

1814.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 187

examined the position, but finding it too strong did
not attack: and on the 16th he commenced his retreat
on Toulouse by St. Gaudens.

Wellington followed in 3 columns on the 18th.
On that date the French right was turned in the
valley of the Adour ; and Hill, who was commanding
the right column, drove back their outposts to
Lembegge in a sharp skirmish, in which 80 British
were killed and wounded.

SoxJt formed his army in line of battle on the
heights of Oleac, two or three miles behind Tarbes
(held by Glauset's Corps), to cover his retreat on
Tourney and St. Gaudens.

At noon on that day, the light Division was sent
against his centre, assisted by the fire of Hill's
artillery, while three rifle battalions attacked his
left, and Hill forced the passage of the Adour at
Tarbes.

The enemy's foimation was broken by the three
rifle battalions, and they retreated on Tournay.

The next day Soult retreated by forced marches on
Monrejean and St. Gaudens ; and, rapidly continuing
his retreat, finally took up a position behind the
Touch river, covering Toulouse. The allied army
followed more leisurely, and on the 26th Beresford's
Division took post behind the Aussonelle stream,
facing the French army.

The position of Toulouse was exceedingly strong,
the fortification being almost encircled by several

188 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1814.

riyers and a canal, while a great deal of the country
around was too heavy for artillery.

At 8 p.m. on the 27th, one of Hill's brigades
marched from Muret to Portel. Some men were
ferried over, and a bridge over the Garonne was
commenced, the remainder of the division being
ordered to cross during the night; but the river
proved too broad for the pontoons, and the plan was
abandoned.

Wellington then drove the enemy from the Touch
river on the 28th, and collected the infantry of his
left and centre about Portel, Hill's Division being
withdrawn to St. Roque.

During the night of the 30th a bridge was laid
over the Garonne, two miles above its confluence
with the Arri^ge river.

On the morning of the Slst, Hill crossed with two
divisions of infantry, some Spaniards, artillery, and
cavalry; his instructions being to seize the bridge
over the Arriege at Cintagabelle, and come down the
right bank to attack Toulouse from that side, while
securing the ferry at Vinerge. He succeeded in
crossing the river at Cintagabelle, and sent his
cavalry towards Villefranche. But, finding the
country too heavy for his artillery, he returned
during the night, and taking up the pontoon bridge
over the Garonne, left only a flying one.

The flooding of the river Garonne, prevented any
further attempt to cross until the 8rd of April, when

1814.] (THE QUEEN^S OWN) REGIMENT. 189

the bridge was laid at Grenade, fifteen miles on the
north side of Toulouse. Owing to the river rising,
it had again to be taken up, and was not finally laid
till the 8th, when Wellington crossed, and, marching
up both banks of the Ers river, by a brilliant cavalry
skirmish seized the bridge of Croix d'Orade, which
united his two columns. He then relaid his pontoon
bridge at Seilh on the 9th, thus shortening his com-
munications with HilPs Division, which remained in
front of St. Cyprian, the east face of Toulouse.

The Light Division crossed the Garonne by the
bridge at Seilh, at 2 a.m. on the 10th of April, and
at 6 a.m. the whole army moved forward to the
attack of Toulouse.

For full details of this memorable attack, I must
refer my readers to the able description in Napier's
work ; for the war was virtually over on the 4th of
April, when Napoleon signed his abdication at Fon-
tainebleau, and I have only space to deal with the
movements of Hill's Division, of which, it will be
remembered, that the 50th Regiment formed part of
the 1st Brigade.

HilPs orders in this attack were to menace St.
Cyprian, augmenting or abating his efEorts to draw
the enemy's attention according to the progress of the
battle on the right of the Garonne. In this position
he also covered Pau. (See lower map, page 188.)

In accordance with these instructions Hill forced
the first line of the St. Cyprian entrenchments and

190 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1814.

menaced the second; which, however, being more
contracted and strongly fortified, could not be
stormed.

This and the capture of Mount Rave,* at a cost of
8,000 of the allies, were the principal results of the
fighting on the 10th.

Wellington had to pause on the 11th to renew his
ammunition, and he took this opportunity of examining
Hill's position at St. Cyprian.

On this date, all the light cavalry was sent on
to the road leading to Carcasone, to menace Soult's
retreat.

• Thongli Berejjford's magnificent march, resulting in the
capture of Mount Rave, does not come within the scope of this
work, the description of this siege would be incomplete without
some allusion to it — a fitting conclusion to a campaign especially
noted for gallantry !

Beresford was compelled to leave his artillery behind, owing
to the deep marshy country tangled with water-courses, which
also impeded the infantry, to such an extent that frequent halts
were required to close them up.

The Llers, an unf ordable river, was on his left flank, which was
under fire from the fortification of Mount Rave, and a strong
force of the enemy's infantry and cavalry was on his right and
in his front.

Unable to return a shot, and cruelly reduced by the enemy's
incessant fire, the column steadily made its way for two miles,
when they wheeled to their right, charged up hill, and took the
formidable works at the summit of Mount Rave. And though
unable to hold these works against the masses of men brought
against them, they retained their position on Mount Rave to the
end — a position which considerably influenced thie evacuation of
Toulouse on the following day.

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1814.] THE QUEEN'S OWN) ftEGIMENT. 191

Warned by the appearance of these troops that
his retreat might be cut off, Soult evacuated Toulouse
on the 11th, leaving behind 8 pieces of heavy artillery
and 1,600 wounded men, which included 2 generals.

On the 12th Hill's troops were posted close to
Baziege in pursuit, and Wellington entered Toulouse.

On the afternoon of that date, official information
arrived from Paris of the abdication of Napoleon ;
and on the 21st a cessation of hostilities took place,
which was succeeded by a general and final peace.

On the breaking up of the army, the 50th Regiment
marched to Poliac via Bourdeaux, from whence they
embarked for Ireland on the 20th of July, and
landed at Cork on the Slst of the same month.

The following officers of the 50th Regiment were
killed and wounded in the latter part of the campaign :

Killed, Lieutenant and Adjutant William Myles,
Lieutenant Duncan MacDonald (killed at Aire) ;
wounded, Captain Custance (recovered, and promoted
in the 9th Regiment), Captain R. V. Lovett (died in
England), Lieutenant Kcddle (died at Enniskillen),
Ensign Sawkins (leg amputated), Lieutenant George
Bartley (recovered), Lieutenant Power (taken
prisoner, placed on half -pay).

CHAPTER VII.

JAMAICA.

Orders were received on the 5th November, 1818,
for the regiment to proceed to Jamaica, in accordance
with which they left Dublin for Cork, and embarked at
the latter place on the 7th and 8th of January, 1819,
in the transports "John," '^Fame," and "Alfred."
They were detained by adverse winds till the 28th of
January, 1819, on which date they sailed, arriving
at Port Royal Harbour on the 7th March, and
disembarking on the following day, they marched
to Up Park Camp.

Their strength on landing was —

Field Officers

Captains

Subalterns .

StaflF

Sergeants .

Dramniers .

Privates

608

Total

683

1819.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 193

They were a splendid body of men when they
reached Jamaica, and for four months continued in
their usual health, but the season was unusually dry,
hardly any rain falling till the end of July, to which
is attributed the fearful mortality from yellow fever,
which devastated the regiment, officers and men alike
falling victims to the pestilence. Among the deaths
were many officers and men, who had served with
honour in the Peninsula.

The fatal progress of the disease was not checked
till the end of the year, when more than half of
the men, women, and children had been laid in the
grave.

The casualties from the disembarkation of the
regiment on the 8th of March to the following
December were as follows :

Colonel Hill, C.B., Commanding,*
Captain and Brevet- Major Rowe,
Captain and Brevet-Major Montgomery,
Lieutenant Richardson,
Lieutenant North,
Ensign Barlow,
Ensign Edwards,
Ensign Harley,
Paymaster Montgomery,

• Colonel Charles Hill, C.B., who was wounded at Vimiero
and who commanded the regiment at Vittoria, was still suffering
from the effects of wounds, and had been advised to remain in
England, but would not leave the regiment in which he had
served so long.

o 2

194 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1819-22.

Lieutenant and Adjutant Lyon,
Assistant-Surgeon Brown,

and 255 sergeants, drummers, and privates, besides women and
children.

In order to check the mortality the regiment was
divided, part being sent to Fort Augusta, and the
remainder being quartered on board the " Seraphis,"
in Port Royal Harbour.

Toward the end of the year the sickness began
to abate, and in the spring of 1820 it almost dis-
appeared, no officers and only 58 men dying up
to the end of February, 1821 ; but the first six
months of that year resembled the year 1819 in
its extreme dryness, and its fatal consequences.

In January, 1821, three draughts were sent from
England to complete the strength of the regiment,
consisting together of 3 captains, 1 lieutenant,
1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 1 assistant-surgeon, and 245
privates; and it was among the unseasoned men
of these draughts that the fever, which again became
virulent about tlie end of July, 1821, found its
principal victims.

The deaths from the end of February, 1821,
to the end of March, 1822, were —

Major E. J. Poe, Commanding,
Captain and Brevet- Major W. Masson,
Captain H. F. Jauney,
Lieutenant R. Seward ,

1822-4.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 195

Ensign 6. Ross^
Surgeon P. Jones,
and 109 non-commissioned officers and privates.

In February of this year the regiment was
distributed as follows : 2 companies at Port Royal,
head-quarters and 3 companies at Spanish Town,
1 company at Fort Augusta, and 2 companies at
Up Park Camp till March 6th, when they joined
head-quarters.

On the 17th of April, one company under Captain
Custance embarked for Savanna-la -Mar, but having
lost one-third of its numbers in four months it was
sent to Lucea.

The head-quarters companies occupied Spanish
Town for nine months, during which the loss in-
cluding detachment was : Brevet-Major Edward
Scott (died on passage home), 2 lieutenants, 1
sergeant, 3 corporals, 1 drummer, and 75 privates,
women, and children.

The head-quarters companies marched to Fort
Augusta on the 27th of November, 1822.

Drafts were received in January and May, 1823,
consisting of 1 major, 2 captains, 1 lieutenant, 2
ensigns, and 116 privates.

During this year there were only 25 deaths, and
on the 2nd of November, the regiment was again
moved to Up Park Camp.

A draft of 20 privates was received in February,
1824> and in November, of that year one company

19(5 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1825-7.

was sent to Port Maria, where men, women, and
children were again attacked with yellow fever, and
before it was withdrawn in the February following
(1825) it had lost half its numbers.

The head-quarter companies, under Lieutenant-
Colonel Wodehouse, marched into Spanish Town on
the 13th January, 1825. They continued very
healthy till June, when the fever again set in, and
a further great mortality was experienced.

The men were placed under canvas outside the
town for a month, but this having no effect they
were moved back to the barracks, and many were
sent to Port Royal for change of air.*

The head-quarters moved to Stony Hill on the
30th September, 1825, and to Up Park Camp on
the 20th December, 1826. The regiment embarked
for England at Kingston, under the command of
Major Custance, in January and February, 1827, and
landed at Gosport.

In June of that year they moved to Portsmouth,
and on the 8th of August H.R.H. the Duke of
Clarence, accompanied by the Duchess, presented
new colours to the 50th Regiment in presence of the
whole garrison. His Royal Highness, in a most
complimentary address, alluded to the distinguished
services of the regiment, since it was first raised by

* Orders were received in July, 1825, for a redistribution of tlie
regiment, six companies to remain abroad and four to fonn a
dep6t in England.

1827-30.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 197

his grandfather, the Duke of Cumberland, in 1756,*
enumerating its badges of distinction, and paying
the highest compliment to its appearance and
conduct. (O.R.R.)

In consequence of this, a letter was received on the
25tli September, 1827 (see Appendix), authorising
the regiment to be called the 50th (or the Duke of
Clarence's) Regiment, in place of the West Kent.

It will be interesting here to note that the 50th
Regiment was ordered to take the title of the West
Kent Regiment by Horse Guards letter of Slst
August, 1782 (see Appendix), at which period regi-
ments of infantry were ordered to take county titles
in order to facilitate recruiting.

The Duke of Clarence came to the throne as
William IV., on the death of his brother, George IV.,
in June, 1830, and on the 22nd of January, 1831
(see Horse Guards letter in Appendix), the 50th
Regiment was authorised to assume the title of the

* The Duke of Cumberland, who commanded the English at
the battle of Culloden, was the brother of the Duke of Clarence's
grandfather, who probably spoke of the regiment being raised by
his grandfather's brother, the latter word having been omitted in
report.

The Duke of Clarence was the third son of George III., who
was descended from Frederic, Prince of Wales, eldest son of
George II., who died before his father. The Duke of Cumberland
was the second son of George II. It is interesting to note that
the Duke of Cumberland was instrumental in the formation of the
regiment.

198 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1833-4.

50th (or the Queen's Own)* Regiment, instead of
that of the Duke of Clarence's Regiment, and the
facings were changed from black to blue.

Thus it is to Queen Adelaide, the wife of
William IV., that the 50th Regiment is indebted
for the above title.

Detachments of the regiment were sent to New
South Wales in 1833, and the regiment, under the
command of lieutenant-Colonel Wodehouse, landed
in that colony on the 21st of November, 1834.
Three companies were sent to Tasmania and two

* A difference of opinion has existed for some time, whether
this title should be (Queen's Own) or (The Queen's Own).

It will be noticed that in the above letter, which is taken from
the Orderly Room Records, the words " or the " are included in
the brackets, but without capitals. This has led to (Queen's
Own) being generally adopted in the O. R. R., and in official
correspondence. It is also adopted on the Indian monument in
Canterbuiy Cathedral, and by Captain Patterson, 50th Regiment,
in dedicating his book to H.M. Queen Adelaide.

On the other hand, a letter from Lord Fitzroy Somerset, of
February 15, 1831, to officer commanding 50th Regiment on the
subject of this title, calls it "The Queen's Own."

Under these circumstances, I referred the matter to the Adju-
tant-General's Department, and received the following reply,
dated 22 February, 1895 :

" 1 beg to acquaint you, that according to our records, the title
of fche 50th Regiment was changed on the 14th January, 1831,
from the Duke of Clarence's Regiment to the * 60th ' or * The
Queen's Own.' "

I have therefore adopted the latter in the title page, but in the
body of the work I have used the title sanctioned by ancient
custom.

1834.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 1&9

to Norfolk Island, of which Major Anderson, 50th
Regiment, was appointed commandant.

Two companies of the regiment, under Captain
Johnstone, embarked at ' Sydney for New Zealand
on the 30th August, 1831, to rescue a woman and
nine seamen who had been captured by the natives,
which service they satisfactorily accomplished, and
returned in November.

CHAPTER VIII.

CAMPAIGNS IN INDIA.

The 50th Regiment received orders to hold itself
in readiness to embark for Bengal, to relieve the
49th, on the 11th December, 1839.

The head-quarters and first division of the regi-
ment embarked at Sydney, under Major Ander-
son, K.H. (Colonel Wodehouse, commanding, having
been invalided), in the ship "Crusader," on the
29th January 1841, and the second division under
Major Ryan, in the ship "Lady M'Naughten," on
the 30th of that month, leaving one company under
Brevet- Major Sergeant to follow with the recruits
expected from England. This last party was after-
wards shipwrecked in Torres Straits, and the ship
"Ferguson," which carried them, became a total
wreck. They, however, eventually joined the regi-
ment, which was stationed at the time at Chinsurah
and Fort William, in the Bengal Presidency. At
the former station the 50th suffered greatly from
cholera, and buried 23 men and 1 woman.

1841-2.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 201

In September, 1841, the regiment was armed with
percussion muskets.

On the 4th October, Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson
(who temporarily commanded), received an order to
hold the regiment in readiness for field service at
Moulmain, and it arrived there by detachments, in
October and November.

The 50th Eegiment formed part of the expeditionary
force, under Brigadier-General Logan, collected at
Moulmain, on account of an expected war with the
King of Burmah. It remained there for five months,
when the King of Burmah having dispersed his army,
the British force was broken up, and early in April,
1842, the 50th Regiment returned to Chinsurah.
Here Colonel Wodehouse rejoined, and shortly after-
wards received the local rank of Major-General in
India; Major Fothergill joined here also, bringing
a draft of 303 recruits from England; and the
*^ Queen's Own " now mustered very strong, but
shortly after the arrival of the regiment at Chinsurah,
their old enemy the cholera again attacked them, and
they lost Assistant-Surgeon McBean, 5 sergeants,
and 69 privates.

Major-General Wodehouse received an order for
the embarkation of the regiment for Cawnpore, on
the 19th July, and it embarked at that date on the
Hooghly, in nearly a hundred boats. A most serious
gale was encountered near Barr, in the early morning
of the 1st September, accompanied by heavy rain,

£02 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1842^.

and a number of the boats were sunk, causing
immense loss of baggage, the bank of the river being
littered fur miles with it. Two soldiers and one
woman were drowned, and nearly the whole regi-
ment had to land for safety, causing a delay of
some days. Another storm occurred off Buxar on
the 26th October, by which many boats were upset ;
much property was lost, and one woman was
drowned. A third storm was experienced near
Benares; and when the regiment landed at Cawn-
pore on the 15th November, it had lost in transit
4 sergeants, the drum-major, 63 privates, 2 women,
and 11 children.

Brigadier-General Wodchouse having been ap-
pointed to the command of a brigade at Meerut,
handed over the command of the regiment to
Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson, K.H., on the 31st
January, 1843.

Towards the end of the year 1843, the army of
the native state of Gwalior was in open rebellion
against their ruler, who was supported by the
Government of India; and a force called "The
Army of Exercise" was ordered to assemble under
Sir Hugh Gough. The 50th Regiment was told off
to the second infantry brigade of the left wing of
this army, under Major-General Sir John Grey,
K.C.B.

The 2nd Brigade consisted of H.M. 50th Regiment,
50th Native Infantry Regiment, 58th Native Infantry

1843.] (THE QUEEN'S 0\rS) REGIMENT. 203

Regiment, 9th Lancers, 11th Light Cavalry, 5th
Light Cavalry, Horse Artillery, Engineers, under
Brigadier-General BlackhalL*

The regiment commenced its march to Bundel-
kund on the 14th November, leaving behind 4 officers
and about 150 invalids in charge of baggage, women,
and children. After remaining in camp near Kouet
for three days, it marched by easy stages to
Duboi, where the brigade was completed. The
brigade remained here waiting for orders until the
18th December, the head- quarters and main body of
the Army of Exercise being near Agra, on the river
Jumna. On that date the array moved forward,
fording the river Scinde in three columns, on the
23rd of that month.

A halt was made at Somaree for a short time on
the 27th. Here information was received, that the
Mahratta troops were in considerable force in the
Antree Pass, about eight miles in front, on the main
road to Gwalior. A further advance was made on
the 28th. On this date Brigadier-General Blackball,
commanding the 2nd Brigade, met with a pistol
accident, and Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson assumed
command, Major and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel
Petit taking command of the regiment. An engage-
ment with the enemy being now imminent, the

* The Ist Brigade was composed as follows : H.M. Srd Buffs,
8th Irregular Cavalry, 8th Light Cavalry, 51st Native Infantry,
39th Native Infantry.

204 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1843.

infantry marched with loosened ammunition, and the
artillery with lighted fuses.

On the 29th December Sir J. Grey's force, leaving
the Antree Pass on tlieir right, moved to their left on
Himutgur and Punniar, in order to turn the right of
the enemy's position.

The advanced guard of the 2nd Brigade was
formed from their light companies, that of the
Queen's Own leading. The brigade arrived on its
camping ground about noon, after a hot march of about
sixteen miles, having passed several of the enemy's
forts on the way, one a very large one at the top
of a high hill. Heavy firing commenced on our line
of baggage about 2 o'clock, and two hours later the
enemy were observed taking up a strong position on
a chain of hills.

PUNNIAR.

The whole force was immediately ordered to be
ready for action.

The BuflFs, with the 1st Brigade, marched off
first, and about 5 p.m. the 50th with the rest of
the 2nd Brigade followed. For about three miles,
they marched over the ground where the Buflfs had
been engaged, passing their dead and wounded, and
a party of their men working one of the enemy's
captured guns. The 2nd Brigade were then ordered
to attack the enemy's left, formed oii the crest of

1843.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 205

a hill, a movement which they executed in a most
brilliant manner.

The following description is from the diary of the
acting adjutant of the regiment :

*' We passed the General and Staff, who ordered us
to clear a small valley to the right, the Buffs having
gone to clear one to the left. As we reached the head
of the hill which overlooked the vale, we foimed line
on the grenadier company, and there being no room
for the two native regiments (50th Native Infantry
and 58th Native Infantry), they remained in open
column of companies. Directly we reached the top
of the hill — as well as during our progress to the top
of it — the enemy's cannon-balls were falling right
and left of us, but being badly directed did us no
harm. We moved a few paces over the hill, when
they opened a heavy fire of grape and canister
upon us, with four guns planted about fifty paces
from the bottom of the hill, besides a tremendous
fire from their infantry, who were in a small ravine.
We made the best of our way down the hill, which
was very high and steep, keeping the best order
possible, and continuing our firing the whole time.
We halted at the bottom under cover of a small
bank and hedge, keeping up our fire for about ten
minutes, when we were ordered to charge, which we
did with a glorious cheer. But so well did the
enemy stick to their guns, that the last discharge
took place when we were within ten yards of them,

206 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1843.

and the gunners were only driven from their guns
at the point of the bayonet. So determined were
they, indeed, that until actually unable to move
from wounds, they cut away with their sharp sabres
at our men, many of whom were severely wounded
by them. Thus ended this short but sharp skirmish,
with the capture of four guns (one a large brass one)
and a few prisoners. It was 8 o'clock when we
ceased firing, had it been light we should have done
more execution. We collected our killed and
wounded and marched home, and the regiment was
under arms all night.'^

In the above action Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson,
50th Regiment, commanding the brigade, fell
severely wounded. Captain Cobham was killed at
the head of his company, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Petit, commanding the regiment, had his horse shot
under him while leading the charge. Besides this 8
privates were killed, and 3 sergeants, 1 drummer, and
28 privates were severely wounded.*

Captain Cobham and the private soldiers who were
killed were buried that evening, the General and all
his Staff attending;

The following general order was issued next day :

"The Major-General begs to congratulate the
officers and men, engaged with the enemy yesterday,

• The Orderly Room Records give only 20 privates wounded.
I take the larger number of 28 from the figures of the acting
adjutant of the regiment at the time (Lieutenant Bellars).

1843.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 207

on the brilliant victory they have gained over a force
five times their number, occupying a very strong
position, defended by all their artillery and infantry.
The former stood until cut down at their guns.

" No troops could have behaved more gallantly or
fought under greater disadvantages, having come oflf a
long and fatiguing march of sixteen miles.

" The Major-General is convinced that had another
hour's daylight remained, and the cavalry been brought
into play, the whole of the enemy's army would have
been immolated. The Major-General will not fail to
lay before the proper authorities, the names of those
officers and soldiers, who conspicuously distinguished
themselves.*

^^ The Major-General laments that the victory
should have been so dearly bought, at the loss of so
many valuable lives.'^

On the morning of the same day (December 29th),
an important victory was gained at Maharajpore, by
the right wing of the army under Sir Hugh Gough,
G.C.B. Major Ryan of the 50th Regiment was
present, attached to the 39th Regiment.

* Extract from the despatch of Sir J. Grey, 30—12—43
" Major Petit, commanding H.M. 50th Regiment, distinguished
himself by the gallant charge he made down hill at the head of
his regiment. I have to bring to your Excellency's notice ihe

able assistance I derived from Captain G , D.A.A.G., and

also from my A.D.C. Captain Tudor, H.M. 60th Regiment."

Extract from General Order by the Riglit Honourable the
Governor-General of India: " H.M. 3rd BufFs and oOth Regiment
added new lustre to the reputation they gained in the Peninsular
War."

208 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1844.

On the 4th January, 1844, the two wings of the
army formed a junction at Gwalior, and took up a
position within three miles of that fortress.*

In consequence of the above victories, the autho-
rity of the Maharajah was restored, and the Mahratta
army was broken up.

The 50th Regiment left Gwalior on the 25th
January, and returned to their old station at Cawn-
pore, which they reached on the 14th February.

A detachment of the 50th under Captain Staple -
ton, on board the " Runnymede," was wrecked on
the Andaman Islands on the 11th March.f

Owing to the unhealthiness of the season the
" Queen's Own " suffered a great deal from cholera
and ophthalmia at Cawnpore, losing 119 men and
several officers. In consequence of this they were
ordered to Loodiana, and commenced their march
on the 15th October, arriving at their destination
on the 7th December.

Lieutenant-Colonel Ryan, who had been in charge
of the convalescent dep6t at Landour, arrived on
the 26th October, and took over the command of the
regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson having been
invalided.

* Gwalior was taken by a party under Lientenant-Colonel
"White on the 4th February, and totally evacuated on the 5th.

t Captain Stapleton was in command of the detachment of the
10 til and 50th Regiments. His conduct on that occasion, in con-
junction with the officer commanding the detachment of the 80th
Regiment, elicited the strong approbation of the Commander-in-
Chief.

1845.] (THE QUEENS OWN) REGIMENT. 209

Further hostilities appeared to be imminent in
November, 1845, as the Sikh army was reported to
be making preparations to cross the Sutlej, at a time
of profound peace, with the avowed intention of
attacking Ferozepore.

The 1st Division of the Sikh army crossed the
Sutlej river on the 13th December, and the whole
army was encamped near Ferozepore on the 16th.

The 50th Regiment was inspected by the Governor-
General, Sir H. Hardinge, on the 11th December,
who told them that they would soon be employed.
He stopped near the colours of the regiment, and
told Colonel Ryan that he hoped his men would
behave as he had seen the old 50th do in the
Peninsula. The Colonel replied that 'Hhey were
only anxious to be tried."

Orders were read at the evening parade on the 13th,
directing the regiment to hold itself in readiness to
march next morning; but further orders would be
issued if they were actually to proceed.

This further order was issued about 11 p.m., and
sent to Colonel Ryan, who was living some distance
from the camp. He sent an orderly up with it at
once, but the orderly seems to have made some
mistake about delivering it ; and the result was the
50th did not parade at daybreak on the 14th, as it
should have done, and the rest of the brigade
marched off without them. They, however, started
about 8 a.m., and overtook the Native Infantry

210

THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH

[1845.

1845.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 211

regiments of the brigade near the fort of Buddiwal,
which was taken without resistance. Some com-
panies of the Native Infantry regiments took posses-
sion of the fort and four old brass guns, which were
at once sent off to Loodiana in charge of four com-
panies of Sepoys*

The brigade afterwards marched to Bussean, which
was reached at sunset without halting, after a
fatiguing march of thirty miles over sandy roads — no
tents or baggage coming up until the following
morning.

General Sir H. Smith and the Umballah force
came into camp on the 15th, and his division was
told off as follows :

1st Brigade, under Brigadier-General Hicks —
H.M. 31st Regiment, 24th and 47th Native Infantry
Regiments. 2nd Brigade, under Brigadier-General
Wheeler— H.M. 50th Regiment, 42nd and 48th
Native Infantry Regiments.

* After the capture of Buddiwal, Lieutenant Brockman, who
in the hurried departure of the regiment had come without
baggage, went back on foot for it. He must have been captured
by the enemy, as he was never heard of afterwards. Two other
oflGlcers who went back at the same time on horseback rejoined
in safety, having seen nothing of him. Two British prisoners
were afterwards reported by spies to be detained in the enemy's
camp, and one of these it was supposed might have been Lieu-
tenant Brockman ; but nothing further was ever heard of him,
and he was eventually struck off the strength of the regiment
by a court of inquiry. He was reported as " killed in passing
Wudnee."

212 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1845.

Prince Waldemar of Prussia, who had been
attached to the regiment for the past six weeks,
accompanied them; and the doctor in attendance
upon him was killed at the battle of Ferozeshah,

On the 16th December the first bugle sounded at
2 a.m., and the 2nd Brigade marched off at 3, being
the leading brigade of the whole army, and the 50th
the leading infantry regiment of the brigade.

The whole force reached Wudnee, seventeen miles
off, about 1 p.m., and drew up in front of the fortress,
which contained a strong garrison of the enemy and
refused to surrender. Preparations were made for an
attack, but eventually an arrangement was made by
which the villagers undertook to provide provisions,
and General Wheeler's force, having made a detour,
encamped on the other side, leaving the reduction of
the fort to the division in rear, which was accompanied
by the heavy guns. '^The Queen's Own" marched
early next morning for Bhago Pooranah, about ten
miles off.

The regiment marched about 4 a.m. on the 18th.
After a short march, the enemy were reported in
front, and the cavalry and artillery were sent ahead,
the infantry being hurried on after them. After a
fatiguing march of about seventeen miles, during
which the 50th suffered a good deal from want of water,
they halted near a large tank close to the village
of Moodkee, the light company and No. 8 being
ordered out on piquet.

1845.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 213

About 3 p.m. the whole force was called to arms,
the enemy having taken up a strong position in our
front.

MOODKEE,

The action of Moodkee was commenced by cavalry
charges and heavy firing from our field artillery.

The " Queens Own " Regiment was formed in
quarter column, left in front, on the extreme right of
the line of infantry, having the 3rd Dragoon Guards
and a battery of artillery on its right front.

In this order it advanced through a country thickly
covered with low jungle, and formed line just before
coming within cannon range of the enemy, the
artillery still maintaining their position on its right.
The enemy^s fire soon began to tell severely, and the
nature of the ground concealed several of their
skirmishers, who also posted themselves in the trees.
The brigade at first formed square to resist the
enemy's cavalry, but Sir H. Smith riding up, ordered
the 50th to re-form line and advance, which it im-
mediately did, closing with the Sikhs with three
cheers, and after a desperate struggle, during which
the enemy stood their ground, and returned volley
for volley ; by a final charge, the 50th succeeded in
capturing the guns opposed to them, and driving back
the masses of the enemy's infantry. The Native
Infantry regiments remained in square for some time
after the advance of the 50th, and the fire of one of
them came into their ranks.

214 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1845.

The 50th was afterwards drawn up in quarter
column, in advance of the position captured from the
enemy, where it remained till about 12.30 o'clock,
when it returned to camp at Moodkee, two com-
panies having been sent out to collect the wounded,
who were brought in on the "Razais," or native
quilts, captured from the enemy.

The loss of the regiment in the above was : Assis-
tant-Surgeon Graysdon * and 25 privates killed, and
the following wounded: Captain Needham (severely),
Captain Long (slightly), Lieutenant Young (died
of wounds). Lieutenant Bishop (died of wounds),
Lieutenant Carter (slightly), and 94i privates.

During the advance Brigadier-General Wheeler
was wounded, and Colonel Ryan took command of
the brigade, Lieutenant-Colonel Petit taking command
of the regiment. Both Colonels Ryan and Petit had
their horses shot under them.

The troops were drawn up in front of their camp
on the following morning (December 19th), the
enemy being about four miles off. Towards evening,
they moved off to their intrenched camp at Feroze-
shah, which was about ten miles off, between Moodkee
and Ferozepore, the latter place being occupied by
Sir J, Littler's force.

* The bodies of Lientenant Carey of the 29tli Regiment and
the Roman Catholic priest of Loodiana, who went into action with
the 50th, were also brought in. The former was killed with the
grenadier company, and the body of the latter was dreadfully
mutilated-

1845.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 215

Orders were given on the evening of the 20th, for
two days^ provisions to be cooked, and preparations
to be made for an early start next morning.

The sick and wounded, with an officer from every
regiment, and the 17 captured guns (which had been
dismounted), were left in the fort at Moodkee.

Sir H. Smith's Division marched about 4 a.m. on
the 21st, guided by three large stars until daylight.

A junction was effected with a force from Fero-
zepore, under Sir J. Littler, about 2.30 p.m., and
preparations were at once made to attack the enemy^s
position.

PEUOZESHAH.

Sir H. Smith's Division was at first in reserve,
about 300 yards in rear of the first line, which opened
with musketry and advanced on the enemy's position;
but the severe fire of round and grapeshot from the
enemy's works, told so heavily upon them, that the
2nd Brigade of Sir H. Smith's Division, under Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Ryan, was ordered to advance to their
support. The 3rd Light Dragoons now made some
gallant charges ; and the 50th Regiment, advancing
rapidly with the 2nd Brigade, soon came into a gap
in the first line and steadily advanced, though the
enemy's grapeshot tore through their ranks, and
their matchlock men kept up an incessant fire. Two
staff officers fell close to them — Major Somerset, who
had brought an order, near the colours of the regi-

216

THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH

[1845.

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1845.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 217

merit, and Major Broadfoot near the right. The
^^ Queen's Own " now brought their right shoulders up,
and after a few rounds of musketry charged into the
trenches,* driving the Sikhs back into their camp at
the point of the bayonet, Corporal Hale, light company,
and Private Johnson of the grenadiers, capturing two
of the enemy's standards.f

* Sergeant J. Godwin, 50th Regiment, who was present with
his company, says : " Just as our company had their feet on the
entrenchment, Sir Harry rode along behind the regiment and said,
* Into them, my lads ! the day is your own.* "

t A third standard was afterwards captured, and probably by
Sergeant-Major Cantwell, at Sobraon.

The Orderly Room Records say : " Sergeant-Major Cantwell
much distinguished himself, but was killed at the moment of
victory when the regiment was entering the trenches," and a
paper at the War Office adds, " and just as he had captured a
standard from the enemy.'* Sergeant Godwin, one of the few
survivors of this glorious campaign, does not remember a standard
being taken. He adds, " Sergeant-Major Cantwell was found
killed and stripped at the river side."

This is not incompatible, however, with the narrative of his
capturing the standard, as he would have confided it to an escort ;
or with that of his being killed at the moment of victory, for he
would have been one of the first men into the trenches, and would
have followed up the retreating enemy.

These three standards for many years decorated the regimental
mess room ; but in coui'se of time very little of the colours
remained, and the author of this work, when in command of the
Regiment, had them mounted in an air-tight case with a glass
front, the frame of which is made from their own flag-staffs and
ornamented with the Crown and Sphinx, and the Kentish horse in
silver, with an inscription at the base.

This now hangs in All Saints' Church, Maidstone, where the
old Crimean colours have also found an honourable resting
place.

218 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1845.

Tlic 50th were the first entire regiment that suc-
ceeded in entering the enemy's works. They charged
on through the camp ; and the right wing, accompa-
nied by Sir H. Smith, charged through the village of
Ferozeshah, the left wing passing outside. It took
some time to drive the enemy out of the village, as
they took advantage of the approaching darkness,
and of the small houses and narrow streets. Here
parties of the 9th Regiment, 1st Europeans, and
several native regiments came up. Eventually the
two wings of the regiment were united outside tlie
village, and they formed a square for the night in a
position selected by Sir H. Smith, on the eastern
side of the camp. Parts of other regiments formed
another large square a little distance ofP, irregular
from its being formed from many regimeuts, but
effective.

These squares retained their position all through
the night of the 21st, though harassed by the enemy's
artillery and musketry, and by parties hovering round
in the darkness, and firing into the squares whenever
opportunity offered, while our men were hardly able
to return a shot, not knowing the position of the rest
of the army.

The light company of the 50th and a few parties
from other regiments, were sent out a little distance
in advance, but the Sikhs discovering their small
number fired incessantly on them, and bringing
up a gun in the darkness, fired a charge of grape

1846.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 219

into the light company, which had to retire, and
eventually lost their way. Lieutenant Frampton,
however, who was with them, having picked up
one of the Sikh bugles, sounded the regimental call
on it, which was answered from the regiment ; and
thus they were able to make good their retreat.
The acting adjutant of the regiment (Lieutenant
Bellars) in his diary thus writes of this night : —

"No one can imagine the dreadful uncertainty.
A burning camp on one side of the village,
mines and ammunition waggons exploding in every
direction, the loud orde'rs to extinguish the fires
as the Sepoys lighted them, the volleys given should
the Sikhs venture too near, the booming of the
monster guns, the incessant firing of the smaller
ones, the continued whistling noise of the shell,
grape, and round shot, the bugles sounding, the
drums beating, and the yelling of the enemy,
together with the intense thirst, fatigue, and cold,
and not knowing whether the rest of the army
were the conquerors or conquered — all contributed
to make this night awful in the extreme."

A council of war in the early morning, decided
that a retreat to rejoin the rest of the army, was
necessary ; and about 3 a.m. on the 22nd they moved
off, after gallantly carrying the batteries still left
in possession of the enemy. The light company of
the 50th Regiment led the way; the remainder of
the regiment at first brought up the rear, but were

220 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1845.

eventually brought to the front to meet any attack,
for (Iiarassed and exhausted as the brigade now was,
the artillery without ammunition, and weakened by
the cavalry and some of the artillery having gone
into Ferozepore by mistake), they were threatened
with a new danger from the army of Teig Sing,
reported to be 30,000 strong, which was covering
the retreat of the Sikh army.

The 50th Regiment retreated by Misreewallah,
They got some dholies en route from the field hospital
of the 62nd for the transport of the wounded, and
marched almost round the entrenched camp. (See
Plan.) Heavy firing was heard as they approached
the remainder of the army. They came up between
the British line and the enemy, and formed in
front of the centre, four British guns being on their
right flank ; but these, after firing three or four
shots, retired.

Teig Sing's artillery now opened a heavy fire, and
continued their advance.

Thirteen or fourteen of our men being wounded,
the light company was thrown out in extended order,
and the regiment was moved to a more favourable
position behind a bank. The enemy's artillery kept
up their fire for some time, the British artillery
having gone to Ferozepore for ammunition. The
50th was afterwards retired into the general line,
but the light company remained out for some time.

About 2 p.m. the enemy steadily retired, and the

1845.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 221

men of the regiment, who had had no food for two
days, except the rations they carried in their haver-
sacks, managed to get a small bullock, which was dis-
tributed as rations. They slept on the ground that
night, in quarter distance column with piled arms.
The killed and wounded during the two days'

fighting were :

Killed.
24 rank and file.

Wounded.
Captain Knowlos, slightly.
Lieutenant Mouat^ slightly.
Lieutenant Chambers, slightly.
Lieutenant Barnes, severely.
Lieutenant White, severely.
Lieutenant and Adjutant Mullen^ severely.
7 sergeants^ 2 drummers, and 80 rank and file.

The next morning, many explosions having taken
place, through tumbrils and cases of powder (left by
the enemy) igniting, the regiment was withdrawn 200
or 300 yards ; and parties were employed all day in
burying the dead, and bringing in the wounded,
many of whom had lain for more than twenty-four
hours without surgical assistance.

On the 24th all the wounded were sent back to
Ferozepore, and the regiment paraded at 9 a.m. and
marched to Sultan Khan Wallah. The baggage
arrived from Moodkee on Christmas Day, on which
date also a despatch was read to the regiment from
the Governor-General, in which he announced " the
repulse of die Sikh force near Moodkee, and the

222 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1846.

capture, on the evening of the 21st and the morning
of the 22ndy of their entrenched camp, with 70 pieces
of cannon, defended by 60,000 men, near the village
of Pheroz-shuhur.* Upwards of 90 pieces of the
enemy's artillery have been taken in these two
operations."

Sir H. Smith also addressed them, and expressed
his warmest approbation of their gallant conduct.

They marched to Gammon walla on the 28th, and
on the 1st of January, 1846, the division took up a
position on the river Sutlej, opposite to the enemy's
camp on the other side of the river.

Sir H, Smith was detached with a part of his
division towards Loodiana on the 17th of January,
and on the 22nd the 2nd Brigade of his Division,
which had been inspected by the Grovemor-General
on the previous day, marched to join him. Accom-
panied by the Governor-General's body-guard and 4
guns, they reached Durrumkote that evening and
Sidham the next day, after a heavy march of fifteen
miles. Here it was found that a very large force of
the Sikh army under Rungeit Singh was between
them and the rest of the division, and it was con-
sidered advisable to return to Durrumkote, where they
arrived about 6 p.m., much exhausted by a fatiguing
march of over thirty miles, through heavy sand,
without even time to cook their rations,

♦ This place is also spelt Ferozeshur and Fcrozeshah.

1846.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 223

The following morning the brigade, having been
reinforced by the 8th Light Cavalry, resumed theii*
march by a more circuitous route, and rejoined their
division at Buddewal on the 26th, the enemy having
abandoned this position on the 22nd, and retreated
to their entrenched camp on the river Sutlej beyond
AliwaL* Thither Sir H. Smith prepared to follow
them on the 28th. The composition of his force was
as follows : —

Strength of Troops under Major-Qenkral Sir H. Smith,

G.C.B.

Artillery — Major Lawrence : Officers and Men.

Horse Artillery (G-pounders) . . 22

3rd Artillery (O-pounders) ... 6

Shekawattie Brigade .... 4

Total Artillery .... 32

Cara/ry— Lieutenant-Colonel Churton :
1st Brigade (MacDowell) —

16th Lancers ..... 530

3rd Light Cavalry 372

4th Irregulars 398

1,300

2nd Brigade (Stedman) —

Bodyguard . . . . . .351

1st Cavalry 422

5th Cavalry 402

1,175

(Major Foster) —

Shekawattie 631

Total Cavalry 3,106

* A draft of 99 privates, with the following officers, arrived
on the 27th :

Ensigns Davenay, Purcell, Slessor, James, and Fanner.

224 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1846.

Infantry — Ist Brigade (Lieutenant-Colonel Hicks) —

31st Regiment 544

24th Native Lifantry . . . .481

36th Native Infantry . . .571

1,596

2nd Brigade (Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler) —

50th Regiment 494

48th Native Infantry .... 857

Sirmoor Qhoorkas .... 781

2,132

3rd Brigade (Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson)—

53rd Regiment 699

30th Native Infantry .... 824

Shekawattie 625

2,148

4th Brigade (Lieutenant-Colonel Qodby) —

47th Native Infantry .... 713

Mysore Qhoorkas .... 586

1,299

Total Infantry 7,175

Sappers 28

ALIWAL.

After mcurching about nine miles the enemy were
seen drawn up in order of battle.* Preparations were
at once made for an attack.

* Passing over very rough ground, the 60th reached the village
of Pourein about 9 o'clock, and on the rising ground beyond saw
the whole Sikh force drawn up, with their cavalry in front.
(Extract from Lieutenant Bellars* diary.)

1846.]

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

226

926 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1846.

The cavalry advanced in front with two troops of
horse artillery, in the intervals of brigades, the
infantry following in contiguous columns of brigades
at deploying interval.

In this order the troops moved forward towards
the enemy, who appeared to be directly opposite our
centre, on a ridge about six miles o£P.

As the line approached the enemy, the cavalry were
moved by brigades to the right and left, and took
position in rear of both flanks, displaying the infantry
columns.

The infantry made a brief halt under a heavy fire
from the enemy about 10 a.m., after which the 1st
Brigade, under Sir H. Smith himself, assisted by
Brigadier Godby's Brigade, made a rapid advance,
and captured the village of Aliwal and 2 guns ; and
Brigadier. General Cureton followed this up by a
dashing charge of cavalry, which drove back th^
enemy*s cavalry; after which Brigadier Godby's
Brigade changed front, taking the enemy's line of
entrenchments and camp in reverse.

Meantime the 50th Regiment, which was on the
right of the 2nd Brigade, occupying the centre of the
line (with heavy guns on each flank of the brigade)
deployed and moved to their right, till they found
themselves exactly opposite the centre of the enemy's
position, which they at once advanced against.

The enemy's batteries being on a cm've with the
flanks thrown back, the 2nd Brigade in the centre

1846.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 227

were nearer and more exposed to the enemy's artillery
than the other brigades. They were therefore twice
ordered to lie down, to permit the brigades on each
flank to advance in line with them.* In this position
the regiment was exposed to a very heavy artillery
fire, as well as to that of the matchlock men ; but
they advanced rapidly, and when within musket
shot they fired a volley, which caused the retreat of
the enemy opposed to them, the artillery alone
remaining fast. The regiment then charged and
took the guns opposite them, while the 16th Lancers
on our left made gallant charges into the enemy's
squares. These were soon in full retreat.

The ^^ Queen's Own " Regiment continued the
pursuit until they came near the bed of the river
(see plan), No. 6 and the light companies were sent
to the bank, to prevent a gun from being taken
away.

Sir H. Smith says in his despatch dated —

" Field of Battle, Aliwal, 30th January, 1846.

" I occasionally observed Brigadier Wheeler's
Brigade, charging and carrying guns and everything
before it, again connecting his line and moving on,
in a manner which ably displayed the coolness of the

* Lieutenant Bellars' diary gives a rather different acconnt, as
follows : —

"The artillery advanced and opened their fire. We then
advanced np to them and lay down. This was done three
times."

228 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1846.

brigadier, and the gallantry of his irresistible brigade
— H.M. 50th Eoot, 48th Native Infantry, and the
Sirmoor Battalion — although the loss was, I regret to
say, severe in the 50th."

The enemy suffered very severely in this engage-
ment, besides losing all their camp equipment, and
all their numerous artillery except two guns, which
alone escaped capture.*

The loss of the regiment in the above action con-
sisted of —

Killed.
Lieutenant J. Grimes and 8 rank and file.

Wounded.
Captain Knowles, dangerously, and right leg amputated.
Captain L. Wilton, slightly.

Lieutenant Frampton, dangerously, left arm amputated.
Lieutenant B. B. Bellars, slightly.
Lieutenant W. P. Elgee, slightly.
Lieutenant A. White, severely.
Lieutenant W. Du Vemet, severely.
Lieutenant J. Purcell, severely.

* One of these guns mnst have been the one opposite to No. 6
and the light company of the 50th, concerning which Lientenant
Bellars says :

" No. 6 and the light company were sent to the bank to pre-
vent a gun from being taken away from the opposite side. The
Sikhs tried several times to take it, crawling on their hands and
knees, but a volley always drove them away. The men were
partially undressed to go over by the ford to bring it over, but
Sir Hany would not allow them. They were relieved by a com-
pany of Sepoys who were left to prevent its being taken away,
and in the morning it was gone."

1846.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 229

Ensign W. R. Farmer, severely.
4 sergeants and 55 rank and file.

•Loodlana being now safe Sir H. Smith rejoined the
main army, leaving the 50th Regiment to watch the
fords of that place. On the 3rd February, they
encamped about a mile from their former cantonment
at Loodiana, which had been left in charge of a
small force of invalids quite inadequate to protect it ;
and it was found that some of the men's barracks, and
the thatched houses of the officers, were burnt. All were
plundered, and all the mess property of the regiment,
to the value of nearly £3,000, was destroyed.

The same evening an express arrived ordering
the 50th to rejoin Sir H. Smith at Sidham. They
accordingly set out at 3 a.m. the following morning,
and marching over the field of battle, rejoined the
rest of the division that evening after a most fatiguing
march of twenty-six miles.

The 31st and 53rd Regiments sent their bands out
to escort the regiment in, and an extra glass of grog
was served out to the troops, in honour of the
regiment rejoining their comrades.

The whole force marched on the 5th February and
joined the army under Sir Hugh Grough, in front of
Sobraon, on the 7th.

Sir Hugh Gough rode out to meet the division,
which formed line to receive him, when he compli-
mented the 50th Regiment highly on their conduct at
Aliwal.

230 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1846.

It was generally anticipated that on the arrival of
the heavy guns, which were daily expected, an attack
would be made on the enemy^s entrenched camp at
Sobraon, which had now assumed a very formidable
appearance.

On the evening of the 9th, an order was given for
the whole force to be under arms at 3 a.m. the follow-
ing morning without beat of drum.

Shortly after that hour, on the 10th, Sir H. Smith's
Division moved silently through jungle across the
country, and took up a position before daylight on the
extreme right of the army, opposite the enemy's left,
and with the right of the division resting on the
river Sutlej.

In this position arms were piled.

The 31st Regiment and the 47th Native Infantry
composed the Ist Brigade. The 2nd Brigade, con-
sisting of the 50th, the 42nd Native Infantry, and the
Mysore Battalion were in support.

SOBBAON.

About 6 a.m. our heavy guns opened on the enemy's
lines, and after firing a few rounds took up a nearer
position, from which a spirited cannonade was kept
up, answered by the fire of the whole Sikh artillery.

About 11 o'clock the troops in the centre could be
seen advancing against the enemy's centre, aided by
shell and rockets thrown into their works. But so

1846.] (THE QUEEN^S OWN) REGIMENT.

231

232 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1846.

severe was the enemy's fire that they were unable to
e£Eect an entrance. A simultaneous attack, however,
which had been made by the Left Division, under
General Sir Robert Dick, succeeded in forcing the
enemy's line.

At this moment an aide-de-camp galloped up,
and ordered Sir H. Smith to attack with his
division.

The first line at once took ground to the left in
column of sections, wheeling into line, and then
advancing until opposite the position proposed to be
attacked.

The 2nd Brigade followed in support of the above
100 yards in rear.

Both brigades soon got under a very heavy fire,
and the 2nd Brigade were ordered to take ground to
their left till clesir of the left flank of the leading
brigade, after which they steadily advanced under a
most galling fire of shell, grape, and musketry. After
passing a nullah, they were exposed to the fire of the
whole Sikh batteries at musket range, but the Regi-
ment pressed on gallantly, led by its commanding
officers, Lieutenant-Colonels Ryan and Petit, who
both fell desperately wounded within a few yards of
one another.

The first brigade, after three most gallant attempts
to force the enemy's entrenchments, were unable to
do so, and retreated in confusion on the 50th Regi-
ment, who formed fours deep with the steadiness

1846.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 233

of a parade movement,* and allowed the retreating
troops to pass through their ranks. After this they
re-formed line, and with a splendid cheer, rushed
forward with the bayonet against the entrenchment,
where they were gallantly met by the enemy, and a
hand-to-hand struggle took place ; but the 50th
Begiment, proud of their former laurels, were not
to be denied, and after a fierce and bloody struggle,
they succeeded in forcing their way into the enemy's
camp. In the meantime a large body of the enemy,
driven back by the successful attack on the left, came

* I obtained tliis information personally from Major-General
Thompson, who was present as a colonr-sergeant. After his
retirement I went to see him hj appointment, to obtain all the
information I conld abont this campaign. His first remark,
which I give as nearly as I can remember in his own words,
was —

" The thing that impressed me most in the whole campaign,
was the steadiness with which the 50th at Sobraon, formed fonrs
nnder a tremendons fire, to allow the 31st, who were retreating in
disorder, to pass through their ranks, and then formed np as if
on parade, and advanced, charging into the batteiy. You know
how catching a panic is, and it struck me as a most trying
ordeal."

This is reported without detriment to the 31st Regiment, who
were mentioned in despatches for their gallantry on that occasion.
They bore the heaviest part of the fire, which it was almost
impossible to advance against.

Major-General Thompson is one of the few honourable instances
of a private soldier, working his way up without interest, and
should be an example to our young soldiers of the chances before
them, with pluck, steadiness, and intelligence.

He enlisted in 1842, and was promoted to an ensigncy on the
27th February, 1862.

884 THE mSTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1846.

up behind, and turned the guns of the battery which
the regiment had just taken upon them.

It was first thought that our own artillery had
made a mistake, but directly it was ascertained where
the fire came from, the 50th turned about and re-took
the battery.

The enemy now retreated at all points, and the
attacking divisions having concentrated, the bridge
of boats was partially destroyed, and a heavy
musketry fii-e opened on it. Our artillery raked it
from each flank, and thousands of the enemy perished
in their efforts to gain the opposite bank of the
river.

When the 50th Regiment was formed up after
the action, during the latter part of which it was
commanded by Lieutenant Wiley, the senior sub-
altern,* it presented but a skeleton, nearly half the
regiment that went into action in the morning
having been put hora de combat.

* Lientenant Wiley was afterwards promoted to an nnattached
company.

The returns were signed by Brevet-Major Long, who was not
with the 50th Regiment daring the action. He had been in
command of a dep6t, and arrived after it was over. The fact of
Lieutenant Wiley being in command, is vouched for by a paper at
the War OflBce, signed by Brigadier- General Penny, Major Low,
and Lieutenant and Adjutant Bellars.

Bellars in his diary says —

" Sir H. Smith ordered me to collect the men outside the
trenches, and the senior officer of the 50th was Lieutenant Wiley.
Long took the command of the regiment, as the grog was being
served out."

1846.] (THE QUEEN^S OWN) REGIMENT. 236

The following is a list of the killed and wounded : —

KiUed.
Lieutenant C. R. Grimes.
Sergeant-Major Cantwell.
1 sergeant and 43 rank and file.

Wounded.
Major T. Kyan, K.H., Brevet Lt.-Col., dangerously.
P. T. Petit, Brevet Lt.-Col., dangerously.
Captain G. M. L. Tew, dangerously.
Captain J. B. Bonham, dangerously.
Captain H. Needham, dangerously.
Captain J. L. Wilton, severely.
Lieutenant H. W. Hough, severely.
Lieutenant J. G. Smith, severely.
Lieutenant C. A. Mouat, severely.
Lieutenant C. H. Tottenham, slightly.
Ensign C. H. Slessor, slightly.
8 sergeants, 1 drummer, and 177 rank and file.

Sergeant-Major Cantwell was killed just as the
regiment had succeeded in forcing the enemy's
entrenchment, and just as he had captured a colour
from the enemy. One of the three Sikh colours,
which adorned the mess of the regiment was
captured here.

The Sikh army never recovered from this crushing
defeat at Sobraon.

On the night of the 10th February, the 1st
Division commenced their march to Lahore, where
the conclusion of the war was announced, and the

236 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1846.

grenadiers of the 31st and 50tli Regiments, were
selected to furnish the guard of honour to the
Maharajah Dhuleep Sing, on his visit to the
Governor-General.

On the 20th the regiment was encamped at
Meean Meer, three miles from Lahore.

Early in March the army was reviewed in the
presence of the Maharajah, and the Governor-
General of India, took the opportunity of presenting
to the regiment, in a stirring address. Sir Charles
Napier, now Governor of Scinde, who had so gallantly
commanded them at Corunna.

Sir Charles Napier alluded in forcible terms, to
the ties that existed between him and the regiment,
and the imperishable glory connected therewith.

Some days afterwards he visited the camp of his
old regiment; and on being shown the tattered
remains of their old colours,* ^^ he grasped them with
enthusiasm^ and expressed himself in glowing and
characteristic language " (O.R.R.). It was a source of
much regret to him, that he would be unable to present
to the regiment the new colours now awaiting them at
Loodiana^ as he had to return to his seat of govern-
ment.

The previous letter from Colonel Ryan to him

* These colours were presented od the 8th Angnst, 1827, by
H.M. King William IV. and Qneen Adelaide, when Dnke and
Duchess of Clarence.

Some interesting information about Sir Charles Napier will be
found in the Appendix.

1846.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 237

on this subject^ and his reply, ore full of interest.
(See pages 292-3.)

Lieutenant-Colonel Petit^ who had commanded the
regiment at the battles of Moodkee, Ferozeshah, and
Sobraon, was appointed a Companion of the Bath.

The army was finally broken up on the 11th of
March, and the regiment returned to Loodiana.
Lieutenant-Colonel Ryan died at Kussowlie from
the wounds received at Sobraon.

The Orderly Room Records say : ^^ The deepest
respect for his name must continue long after the
present generation has passed away. His greatest
ambition was to live, fight, conquer, and die at the
head of his regiment."

He received his death wound commanding the
2nd Brigade, but while leading the 50th Regiment
in one of its most glorious victories. He was
appointed a Companion of the Bath, but did not
live to hear of it.

About this time a subscription was raised to erect
a monument in Canterbury Cathedral to those who
fell in the campaign.

This monument consists of a female figure, em-
blematic of Fame, holding a laurel wreath in her
right hand, in a reclining position, and resting on a
large cannon, the breach of which only is visible.
In her left hand she holds a standard, beyond which
is partly visible ^^ L," encircled by " Queen's Own."
The figure of Fame was undraped in the original

238

TUE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH

[1846.

design, but the authorities of Canterbury Cathedral
insisted on a draped figure, and it was altered
accordingly.

The inscription beneath tlie tablet is added, as it
gives the names of all who fell in battle in this
campaign.

1846.]

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

239

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240 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [184«.

The following order, issued by Colonel Anderson
on resuming the command of the regiment after this
campaign, in which he was wounded, deserves to be
preserved :

" They died as brave men like to die, and their
memory and their names must, for the future, form a
proud and conspicuous part of the records and history
of this regiment."

A terrific storm swept over Loodiana on the 20th
of May, and raged with such fury, that nearly the
whole range of infantry barracks, ten in number, in
which the 50th Regiment was quartered, were levelled
to the ground, and a large number of the brave men
who had come scathless through the war, lay mangled
among the ruins.

The following station order of the 21st May, from
the oflBcer commanding the garrison, and the extract
from the *^ Delhi Gazette" of the following day, gives
full particulars of this disastrous incident : —

*^ It is with deep regret, the Commanding Officer
announces to the troops at the station the calamitous
disaster, accompanied with the fearful loss of life, of
upwards of 80 persons killed and 135 wounded, which
occurred yesterday evening to H.M. 50th Foot.

" During the height of the storm, the whole of the
barracks of the regiment, including the hospital, were
suddenly blown down, burying men, women, and
children in the ruins.

'^ The loss of so many valuable lives so soon after

1846.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 241

the arduous campaign, from which the corps returned
crowned with victory and distinction, is doubly dis-
tressing, and the Commanding Oflficer feels sure that
every man and officer will join with him, in deeply
sympathising with the gallant regiment in its severe
calamity."

From ^^ Delhi Gazette,*' Loodiana, May 22nd,
1846 :—

" This station has just been the scene of one of the
most heartrending catastrophes ever witnessed. On
the evening of the 20th a dreadful tuflPaun, succeeded
by heavy rain, razed the entire European barracks
occupied by the 50th Regiment to the ground, send-
ing upwards of 80 souls into eternity, besides inflict-
ing most serious injuries on nearly 200 of the
survivors. The scene which ensued baffles all
description. The officers were in instant attendance,
and exerted themselves to the utmost in extricating
the unfortunate occupiers of the devastated buildings.
The groans of the dying and the cries of the wounded
were most harrowing. Husbands, wives, and mothers
in agonised suspense awaiting the removal of the
ruins, which was to reveal the mutilated remains of
those most dear to them, all contributed a tout
eiisemble of the most heartrending woe, which will
never be forgotten by those who witnessed it.'*

The evening and the greater part of the following
days, were occupied in carrying away the dead ; and

ii2

242 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1847.

at noon of the 21st, upwards of 80 bodies were ranged
in the dead house.

On the evening of the 21st, they were buried
without shroud or coffin, in three common graves near
the fatal spot ; where a monument has since been
erected, commemorating the names of the victims.

At the beginning of December, orders were received
for the 50th Regiment, to be held in readiness to em-
bark for England, (before its proper turn on the
roster) ; and it was authorised to allow up to 300 men
to volunteer to remain with other corps. Of this 220
took advantage.

The remainder of the regiment commenced their
march for Fort William, vid Delhi, on the 18th
December, and reached the former station on the
11th of April, 18Jj7, having received en route nearly
100 volunteers from the 39th Regiment. An order
was received from the Horse Guards, dated 30th
June, 1847, authorising the action of Moodkee,
Ferozeshah, Aliwal, and Sobraon to be borne on
the colours of the regiment.

Colonel Anderson, who had been severely wounded
at Punniar, when in the command of the 2nd Brigade
of the Ist Division, rejoined the regiment from sick
leave on the 3rd of February, 1847, and resumed
command.

The 50th left Cawnpore on the 7th of February, and
arrived at Benares on the 23rd of the same month,
where the regiment embarked in country boats on

1848.] (THE QUEEN^S OWS) REGIMENT. 243

the 25th for Calcutta ; and, after passing through the
Sunderbunds, arrived in safety off Fort William on
the 11th of April. They landed on the following
nioming, and after marching round the captured
Sikh guns (then parked in square beyond the Fort),
the trophies of so much blood and glory, and which
cost the regiment so many valuable lives, the gallant
50th passed proudly into Fort William, and there
rested from its labours and fatigues, until the beginning
of February, 1848.

Lord Grough issued the following General Order
before the regiment embarked : —

" General Order. — Head-quarters, Simla,
22nd February, 1848.

'^ 1. In directing the 21st and 50th Regiments to
be struck off the strength of the Indian Establish-
ment, consequent upon their embarkation at Calcutta
for England, the Right Hon. the Commander-in-
Chief in India takes the opportunity of congratu-
lating these regiments, upon the satisfactory termina-
tion of their foreign service, and at the same time of
recording the high opinion he entertains of their
conduct, whilst under his command.

'' The 21st Fusiliers, i&c., &c.

" The 50th also commenced its tour of foreign
service in New South Wales, and arrived in India
in May, 1841. This regiment has been, as hereto-
fore, most fortunate in being actively employed;
highly distinguished in the wars of its country in

244 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1848.

Egypt, and throughout the Peninsula campaign, the
^ Queen's Own ' has added to the numerous trophies
already borne on its colours, the following glorious
victories as records of its Indian service :
* Punniar,' ^ Moodkee/ ^ Ferozeshah/ * Aliwal,' and
^ Sobraon.'

"In the late eventful campaign the 50th bore a
very prominent part ; engaged in every battle that
was fought, and conspicuous for its bravery amidst
so many gallant regiments, nobly did it sustain on
the banks of the Sutlej, the reputation it gained
at Corunna, under its old commander, Sir Charles
Napier. Every expression of Lord Gough's praise
is justly due to this noble regiment, and that every
happiness and success may attend all its members is
his Lordship's most heartfelt desire.

" By order of the Right Hon. the Commander-in-Chief,

G. R. CuRETON, Colonel,

Adjutant-General H.M. Forces."

The head-quarters embarked for England in " The
Queen " on the 14th of February; and the rest of the
regiment in the ships *^ Sutlej " and " Marlborough " *
on the 4sth and 15th of that month respectively.

The total strength of force embarked was 20
officers, 26 sergeants, 10 drummers, and 370 privates.
The remaining officers were allowed to go home
independently.

* The 6th is the date given in the Orderly Room Records, bnt
the 4fh IS the date given in Sir H. Smitli's despatch.

1848.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 245

The ^^Sutlej," under the command of Brevet-
Major Long, having on board also 1 captain, 2 sub-
alterns, 1 assistant-surgeon, 7 sergeants, 3 drummers,
and 73 privates, met with such serious damage on
her homeward passage, that she was obliged to put
into the Cape of Good Hope, and the detachment was
landed while jury masts were being stepped.

Lieutenant-General Sir Harry Sm.ith, Bart., who
had commanded the division to which the 50th
belonged in India, was at the time Governor and
Commander-in-Chief of that colony ; and previous to
their re-embarkation on the 8th of May he issued
the following general order :—

"H.E. the Commander-in-Chief has great pleasure
in again expressing his marked approbation of the
conduct of these men, his gallant comrades in India;
for, to their bravery, fortitude, and exertions are to
be attributed in a great degree the salvation of the
^hip, in a fearful hurricane off the Cape, carrying
overboard the three masts in one crash.

*^ There are ties of friendship which war creates
and cements, which nothing can sever; and Sir
Harry Smith having again had brought to his notice
the gallantry of his old comrades under appalling
circumstances, derives as much pleasure in this
record of his opinion, as he well knows the officers
and soldiers of this detachment of the 50th (Queen's
Own) will receive in its perusal."

This detachment landed at Gravesend on the

246 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH REGIMENT. [1848.

11th of July, the other detachment having previously
landed there on the 6th of June ; and a four-company
dep6t was formed at Walmer.

The Regiment moved to Dover in July ; and on the
30th of November a letter was received from Lieu-
tenant-General Viscount Hardinge, late Governor-
General of India, stating that he would visit the
" Queen's Own '^ to present to them a gold cup from
Prince Waldemar of Prussia, who had served as a
volunteer with that regiment in the Sutlej campaign,
and who regretted having to leave England before
he could present it in person. (See Appendix.)

In April, 1850, Major-General Lord FitzClarence
presented to the regiment a handsome plate, to be
attached to the Queen's colour, containing the names
of those who fell under the colours in this campaign,
and a crystal containing a piece of the silk of the
colour; the staff on which it was fixed bein^ the
one presented by their Majesties King Williati IV.
and Queen Adelaide,

CHAPTER IX.

CRIMEA.

The custody of the holy places in Palestine, had
caused dissension between the Greek and Latin
Churches. The Czar of Russia espoused the cause
of the former, of which he was the head, while the
Emperor of the French took the part of the latter.
The Czar sent Prince Menschikoff to Constanti-
nople, as ambassador to demand special powers, and
backed up this demand by sending two army corps
to the frontiers of the Danubian Principalities. The
Sultan only gave in, to find himself confronted with
still greater demands, which he could not grant ; and
on the 2nd of July, 1853, the Russian troops crossed
the river Pruth, and entered the Principalities. The
Great Powers attempted to mediate in vain, and on
the 23rd of October a state of war broke out between
the two countries. At first the Turks had some suc-
cess — at Kalafat, and in the valiant defences of
Silistria and Shumla. But it being now apparent,
that the real object of Russia was the dismemberment

248 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1854.

of Turkey, France and England interfered ; and on
the 27th of February, 185Jj, they demanded the
evacuation of the Danubian Principalities by the
30th of April, and this not being complied with, war
was declared on that date.

An order was received from the Assistant Quarter-
master-General, Dublin, on the 11th of February,
1854, stating that it was probable that the 50th Regi-
ment would be immediately ordered on foreign ser-
vice, and asking for returns showing the number of
men required to complete to 850 privates. On the
18th of that month a further order was received
directing the 50th Regiment to he held in readiness
to embark on the 24th, to form part of an expedi-
tionary force to be sent to the Mediterranean, to aid
tlie Turks against the Russians.

The head-quarters and 6 companies, numbering
22 officers, 34 staff-sergeants and sergeants, 31 cor-
porals, 10 drummers, and 612 privates, embarked on
the steamship '^ Cambria," at Kingstown, Dublin,
under the command of Major R. Waddy, on the 24th
of February. They were disembarked at Malta on
the 7th of March ; and the '^ Cambria " returned to
Kingstown. At the end of March, she embarked the
remaining two companies of the regiment, numbering
9 officers, 11 sergeants, 9 corporals, A drummers, and
199 privates, which arrived at Malta on the 8th
of April. Disembarking the detachments of other
regiments she had brought out, and embarking two

1864.] (THE QUEENS OWN) REGIMENT. 240

companies which had remained at Malta with the
head-quarters of: the 50th, she proceeded the next day
to Gallipoli,' where the troops landed on the 15th.

Meantime two companies, already under Major
Wilton, had disembarked at Gallipoli on the 11th
of April, and two under Major Moller on the 12th.*

The Regiment moved to an encampment near the
village of Bulahar, on the 19th of April, being brigaded
with the 2nd battalion Rifle Brigade, and the 93rd
Highlanders. Here they were employed in throwing
up lines of entrenchments, between the Gulf of Saros
and the Sea of Marmora, to be used in case of a
reverse, in the same manner as that in which the
lines of Torres Vedras were used in the Peninsular
War.

On the 6th of May the Rifle Brigade and 93rd
Highlanders were moved to Scutari; and the 50th
was moved to camp Chifleck, about two miles and a
half from Gallipoli, where it was brigaded with the 1st
Royals and the 38th Regiment, under the command of
Brigadier-General Sir John Campbell, Bart., forming
the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Division under Major-
General Sir R. England, K.C.B.

On the 201 h of June the muskets of the regiment
were replaced by the Minie rifle.

On the 22nd of that month the '^ Queen's Own "
embarked on board the "Cambria" and the transport

• The total strength of the whole regiment was 31 officers,
45 sergeants, 14 drummers, and 851 corponils and privates.

250 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1854.

^^Harkaway," the latter in tow; and, landing the
sick and some women at Scutari, disembarked the
remainder at Varna on the 24th. Here the regiment
was encamped, first to the right of the Upper Shumla
road, and afterwards on the 22nd of July near a
muddy lake about half a mile north-west of Varna ;
and in these encampments the 60th, which had
hitherto been very healthy, sufPered severely from
that fearful scourge Asiatic cholera, to which 21 men
fell victims — but no officers.

On the Ist August they moved to some high
ground near the sea, about half a mile north-west
of Varna, and the spread of cholera was much
checked.

The invasion of the Crimea having been deter-
mined on, the regiment was employed at this time
in making gabions and fascines.

They embarked for the Crimea on the 2nd of
September* on board four sailing ships in tow of
the steamer ^^ Sans Pareil.'' The whole expedition

* The subjoined is the strength carried by the various ships,
the four first named being towed by the " Sans Pareil " :

Officers. Sergeants. D rammers. Privates. Total.
"Arabia" 5 8 6 110 129

" War Cloud "

107

119

" Tyronne "

104

" Shooting Star "

105

114

" Sans Pareil "

. 219

244

720

1854.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 251

left Baltchik Bay in fine weather on the 7th of
September, all sailing ves^ls being towed by
steamers; and on the 15th of September, the regi-
ment was landed in boats about twenty miles south of
Eupatoria, forming part of the army of invasion.
No opposition was offered. They landed with three
days' provisions and no baggage, except what was
carried on their backs. The brigade was marched
a short distance inland, halted in column, arms
were piled, and every man was directed to lay
down in rear of his arms. During the night it
rained so heavily and continuously that all hands,
having no great coats,* were speedily wet through.
The next three days were occupied with the landing
of stores, &c., and on the 19th, before daylight, the
whole army was on the march. The three days'
provisions issued on landing were exhausted, and
no rations were issued before starting. The day
was intensely hot, and there was no water except one
little stream, which, by the time the 50th Regiment
reached it, was almost black by the march through it
of men and horses that had preceded them, but such
as it was the troops were most grateful for it. Four
halts took place during the day, after each of which
the troops were marched over much ground, to take
up a defensive position.

During the latter part of the day artillery was

* The great coats were landed next day.

262 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1854

heard in front, and the march was somewhat re-
tarded. It was quite dark when, tired and hmigry,
the 60th arrived at their camping ground, on the
banks of the little river Bulganac. There it was
learnt, that a reconnaissance early in the afternoon,
had shown the enemy to be in force on the other
side of the river, where an affair of outposts had
taken place,*

Late in the evening, after the rations had been
drawn and the camp fires lighted, and when the men
were hungrily looking forward to food and rest,
an order came for the regiment to alter their
position; and they were marched some distance to
take up the new ground allotted to them, which
was understood to be in preparation for a battle
expected on the following day.f

Between 9 and 10 o'clock on the morning of the

• This march was very trying from the great heat, and want of
food and water ; while a peculiar aromatic odour arose from the
bruised herbs trampled under foot, which at last became quite
oppressive, and men were heard to offer to exchange grog for
water.

Two men died from cholera.

In contrast to the heat of the days, the nights were intensely
cold, and there was no protection from the climate for oflBlccrs or
men beyond the great coats, <tc., which they carried themselves.

t The following is the formation of troops given by Kinglake :

** The first biigades of the .Light and Second Divisions, wero
formed up pai-allel to the river, while the first brigades of the
First and Third Divisions, formed an oblique line receding from
the left of the Light Division, following the line of the coast,
which here inclined backward somewhat shai-ply."

1854.J (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 263

20th, the army moved steadily into the great plain,
at the far end of which in the blue haze of distance,
appeared a line of hills. The Turkish troops were
on the right near the coast; and, covered by the
guns of the ship, then came the French; on their
left, the 2nd British Division in the first line,
supported by the 3rd Division in the second line,
while on the extreme left the Light Division in the
first line was supported by the First; part of the
4th Division being in reserve, in echelon, in rear
of the left, the remainder being placed in charge
of stores at Eupatoria.

As the army moved further into the plain, the hills
in front could be seen more clearly ; and during
occasional glimpses, the sunshine could be seen flash-
ing on the bayonets of the enemy at the summit. As
it approached nearer still, gardens and vineyards
could be discerned, stretching down to a little stream
with precipitous banks, skirting the base of the hill,
which rose steeply beyond.

Presently, the Russian artillery opened fire, and
the 2nd Division in front, which had been in double
column of companies, deployed into line. A little
further on the 3rd Division, supporting them, halted.
The 50th Regiment retained theu' double-colunm
formation, and piled arms.

In front of them the whole battle unrolled itself.
To their right, the Zouaves could be seen crowding up
the hill, like a swarm of bees. From the hill to the

2bi

THE HISTORY OF THE FlFllETH

[1854.

1854.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 255

left front (afterwards known as the Half-moon Bat-
tery) came the continued roar of heavy artillery and
musketry ; while through the dense smoke of a burn-
ing village in front, occasional glimpses were caught
of the steady advance of the thin red line. Occa-
sionally a heavy shot flew over, or a spent one passed
harmlessly through the ranks ; and the horse of Major
Watkin Wynne of the 23rd, who was killed, galloped,
bloody and riderless, past the regiment.

At last the order came for the advance. Packs
were taken off and left on the ground. Colours were
unfurled and the regiment deployed into line, and
moving steadily forward through the shallow stream,
passed over the broken ground on the other side,
encumbered by vineyards, where the number of the
dead and dying told how fierce had been the struggle.
Pressing up the steep hill, one harmless volley passed
over the heads of the 50th, and they arrived at the
top in time to find the Russian army in full retreat,
and the whole country strewed with the packs, &c.,
which they had abandoned.

The British army bivouacked that night on the
ground previously occupied by the Russians,* and
the 50th Regiment was employed during the next
three days in burying the dead, principally under

• They left in their bedding straw a legacy of vermin, which
was unwittingly appropriated, and only got rid of when spare
clothes could be obtained and the old ones boiled.

25C THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1854.

the HaK-moon Battery, where the loss had been
heaviest.*

On the 24th of September the army moved on to
the Belbek, which appeared to be even a stronger
position than the Alma, but was not defended.

On the 25th the regiment marched to Mackenzie's
Farm, forming part of the celebrated flank march
that led to the undefended south side of Sebastopol.
Most of the way lay through a thick wood, with one
road through it, which was ordered to be kept clear
for the artillery and cavalry. The companies of the
50th, therefore, had to march through the wood itself,
keeping the road in sight. In some places the wood
was so thick that all formation was impossible, and
all that could be done was to march independently,
keeping the companies together.

Late at night, they emerged from the wood on to a
steep decline, which led eventually to Mackenzie's
Farm, where they halted for the nighfc. This march
had been a most distressing one, owing to the want
of water ; and several of the men were attacked with
cholera.

The next day, after a short march, the regiment
halted in a large vineyard full of ripe grapes, not

* Fatigue parties of the 50th Regiment were employed on the
2l8t in digging large pits for the burial of dead, under the Half-
moon Battery.

In one place 7 officers of that gallant regiment, the Royal Welsh
Fusiliers, lay dead, almost together, slightly in advance of a large
number of their men who had fallen.

1854.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 257

far from Balaclava ; and the following morning they
moved on to the plateau overlooking Sebastopol,
from which, by the aid of a good glass, the town
could be seen to be absolutely undefended.

On the 2nd of October the 3rd Division, to which
the regiment belonged, took up its position on the
left of the British army, where it remained during the
whole of the siege, assisting to occupy the Greenhill
Batteries (the left attack).

The ravine through which this division marched to
the trenches, was generally known as the ^^ Valley of
the Shadow of Death," from the great number of
cannon balls, which, just catching the high ground,
rolled into the valley below.

Part of the approach was enfiladed, so that the
reliefs for the trenches had to be marched off before
daylight.

On the 2nd of October, a few tents were issued to
the oflBcers, and shortly afterwards the officers' bat
ponies and the light baggage arrived at Balaclava ;
up to this time neither officers nor men had had a
change of clothes, or any protection from the
weather, except that which they carried themselves,
and, though the days were very hot, the nights were
intensely cold.

Lieutenant-Colonel Waddy was slightly wounded
in the lip by a piece of shell, while serving in the
trenches on the 13th. He was the first officer
wounded in the trenches. Captain and Brevet-

258 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1854.

Major Maxwell was wounded in the head on the
26th.»

Before dawn on Sunday morning, November 5th,
the camp was aroused by the distant sound of heavy
musketry, away to our right, towards the Inkermann
valley. The day broke dull and foggy, with a misty
rain, and before it was fully light the bugles had
sounded the alarm and the regiment was under arms,
mustering 17 officers, 26 sergeants, 10 drummers,
623 privates. 13y this time the firing on our right
had considerably increased, and the artillery had
joined in.

About 8 o'clock the 50th Regiment moved oflF,
and, passing the Light Division camp, formed up
near the Windmill.

Shortly afterwards Lieutenant-Colonel Waddy (in
command) took up a position, with the left wing of the
regiment on the Victoria ridge, while the right wing,
under Lieutenant-Colonel Wilton (second in com-
mand), advanced in line towards the Inkermann
ridge, and, doubling up, lay down behind the crest to
the left front of the camp of the Second Division,
a portion of which was still standing.

• Murchison, Maxwell, and the writer were Btanding together
in the trenches, Maxwell, who was the tallest, being in the centre,
when a round shot, just grazing the top of the parapet, passed
close to Maxwell's head, knocking off his forage cap. He jocularly
remarked, "That's a near shave," not knowing at first that some
of the gravel from the parapet had been diiven into his scalp.
He had to be invalided to England.

1854.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT, 259

The colour that accompanied the party in this
advance, in charge of Lieutenant Antrobus, was
covered with earth from a shot that ricocheted a
yard or two in front.

From the crest behind which this portion of the
regiment was lying down, the ground sloped gently
to a level, beyond which rose Mount Inkermann,
from the summit of which, about 1,200 yards off, the
Russian guns kept up a rapid and continuous fire
on our men, from which they suffered considerably,
though lying down and out of sight. It was here
that Lieutenant Dashwood was mortally wounded by
a shell. He died that evening in camp.* This
position was occupied by the right wing all through
the action, and they remained on the ground as a
guard all night, making their bivouac fires from the
stocks of the Russian rifles.

Meanwhile the left wing, under Lieutenant-Colonel
Waddy, which remained on the Victoria ridge, had

* During a lull in the fire of the Russian artillery, several
officers of the right wing were walking about, which drew the fire
of the enemy, and one of their shells burst just in front of the line,
knocking over four or five men and wounding Lieutenant Dashwood
mortally. One of his arms was carried away from the shoulder,
and his water bottle and revolver were smashed, and driven into
his side. An attempt was made to apply a tourniquet to stop the
bleeding, but without success, and he died shortly afterwards.
His body was brought into camp and buried there that evening, in
the presence of all the officers, a round shot being place at each
end of the grave.

260 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1854.

one officer, Captain Frampton, wounded, and lost
several men from artillery fire.*

At the close of the action, when the enemy's heavy
artillery could be seen retreating towards the Karabel
Faubourg of Sebastopol, by the West Sappers Road,
Lieutenant-Colonel Waddy saw an opportunity, which
he immediately seized, of trying to cut them off.f

With this view he descended into and crossed the
Careenage ravine with No. 7 company, about 60
strong, under Lieutenant Murchison, and " making his
way up the north-west angle of Mount Inkermann, he
advanced through a covert of brushwood, and took up
a position within easy distance of, and commanding
the flank of the retreating column, and overlooking
the head of the harbour. The movement was most
opportune, for he reached the position just as the
guns, wagons, and great teams of draught horses
were jammed into one confused mass, and when the
infantry, not expecting to be attacked so near home,
were taking a route lower down.''

Murchison's company at once opened fire upon the

* Captain Frampton had previously lost an arm at Aliwal, and
was one of the two officers taken prisoner at the sortie from Sebas-
topol on the 21st of December.

t The description of this dashing attack is taken from Kinglake's
" Crimea," and fi*om the statements of an officer who accompanied
No. 7 company. Kinglake adds, " The enemy, considering that
his hampered ti*ain of artillery was helpless against infantry, and
prevented by brushwood from detecting the paucity of his
assailants, believed for a moment that the enormous prize was on
the point of falling into their hands."

1854.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 261

enemy ; and though, owing to the very wet weather,
only about half the rifles would go off, the confusion
of the column was manifestly increased. Had a
sufficiently strong force then been employed, the
Russians would have been in danger of losing much
of their heavy artillery.

" General Todleben at once recognising the danger
siBnt a company in skirmishing order, supported by
4 battalions of the Bourbaki Regiment 3,000 strong
and 4i guns " to attack Murchison's company. Against
such overwhelming odds it was hopeless to contend,
and Lieutenant-Colonel Waddy, seeing that the
retreat of the company was in danger of being inter-
cepted, ordered them to retire as quickly as possible.
The men then retreated independently the best way
they could into the ravine, the descent into which
was very precipitous. An ineffectual fire of musketry
and artillery was opened upon them, but they made
good their retreat with the loss of one man taken
prisoner.

The 50th was the only regiment of the Third
Division engaged in the above battle.

A terrific storm swept through the camp on the
14th November, carrying away nearly every tent,
and causing great destruction of shipping and stores
in the harbour of Balaclava, the '^ Black Prince,'^
which contained all the winter supplies of clothing,
&c., going down among others.

On the 21st December, the trenches of the

262 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1854.

left attack being held by the 50th Regiment, the
Russians took advantage of the darkness of the night,
to make a sortie in force. Moving silently, in dense
masses, they overlapped our left of the advanced
trench, which was held by Captain Frampton, Lieu-
tenant Clarke, and 150 men. They first came in con-
tact with the advanced sentries on the left of the
third parallel ; these at once gave the alarm by firing,
and retired into the trench. The enemy then pressed
boldly forward between the second and third parallels.
The latter, being attacked both in front and rear by
overwhelming masses, was taken ; and both the
officers and 9 men were taken prisoners, after many
of the men had been killed and wounded, Lieutenant
Clarke being among the latter ; a few of the de-
fenders making good their retreat to the second
parallel, which was now furiously assailed. Here
Major Moller was mortally wounded, dying that
evening ; and many of the 50th were killed and
wounded. But the enemy were repulsed at all
points.

By this time the heavy firing had alarmed the
camp, and reinforcements having been at once sent
down, the advanced trench was retaken, and the
Russians retired, leaving behind them 14 killed and
4 wounded. The loss of the 50th Regiment consisted
of 14 killed, 12 wounded, and 2 officers and 9 men
taken prisoners.

General Sir Richard England called on Lieutenant-

1865.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 263

Colonel Waddy the next day, to convey the thanks
of Lord Raglan, for the successful defence of the
trenches, and for the gallant conduct of officers and
men of the regiment •

The regiment suffered severely duruig the winter
months. During the first six months of the siege
340 men died of disease, and 8 officers were in-
valided.

Enfield rifles were issued on the 14th June,
1855.

The 50th Regiment with detachments of the 14th
and 39th Regiments, were told off as the storming
party of the Barrack Battery, at the attack on
Sebastopol of the 18th June, but owing to the
failure of the attacks on the Garden Battery and
the Redan, which commanded both flanks, the attack
was impracticable.

A portion of the regiment, which held the advanced
trench on this occasion, suffered from the heavy fire
from Sebastopol.

Sir Richard England having been invalided, Sir
William Eyre assumed the command of the 3rd
Division on the 2nd of August.

*^ The Queen's Own " was in reserve at the final
attack on Sebastopol on the 8th September, which
culminated in the fall of the south side.

From this date fatigue parties were constantly
employed in the town, and frequently exposed to
fire from the guns on the north side.

264 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1855.

A tremendous explosion occurred in the French
camp on the 15th of October; their magazine blew
up, and a falling shell set fire to the British magazine
also. The dense smoke hung like a pall in the sky,
while hundreds of live shells were in the air at once,
carrying death and destruction around. It was
fortunate that the conflagration did not extend to
the windmill, which was used as a powder magazine,
or the casualties would have been still greater; as
it was, at least 500 men were killed or wounded,
and all tlie English right siege train^ and most of
the French, with guns, tumbrils, huts, and horses,
were destroyed.

Toward the end of November the winter had
fairly set in, with a good deal of rain and occasional
frost and snow. At first men and officers were in
tents, after a time three huts were erected, and
early in December huts were built for all the men,
and a large one to hold 16 officers was put up, for
the accommodation of those who had not built for
themselves.

The trenches were dismantled and the guns sent
on board ship in readiness for all exigencies in the
spring. Splendid roads were constructed, 10,000 to
12,000 men being employed on them as working
parties every day, and abundance of stone being
available.

The south side of Sebastopol was held by the
French and English conjointly, the former taking

1856.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 266

that part which lies to the west of Woronzoff road,
tlie latter the part to the east of it.

Arrangements had been made for blowing up the
docks, and it was calculated that that magnificent
work, a marvel of construction, which is reported
to have cost twenty millions, and to have taken
40 years to build, could be destroyed in ten minutes.
An enormous number of Russian guns, captured when
the south side fell, now lay idle in their embrasures.

The health of the regiment was good, though a few
of the men had suffered from exposure, and it re-
mained good throughout the winter, a great contrast
to the previous winter.

The strength of the 50th Regiment on the 1st
January, 1856, was 28 officers, 31 Serjeants, 9 drum-
mers, and 511 privates.

They were inspected by General Sir William Eyre,
G.C.B., on the 31st January, who was much pleased
with their appearance and efficiency.

At the end of January the Russians took advantage
of a dark night, to make a reconnaissance across the
harbour in boats, but they were discovered and fired
on by the sentries, and at once relreated, with the
exception of one boat, which was discovered later,
and also compelled to retire. This drew a very heavy
fire from the north side; an eye witness says 135
shots were counted in five minutes, and I saw 6 or 7
shells in the air together.

On the 24th of February a grand review of British

266 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1856.

infantry was held by General Codrington, appointed
conmiander-in-chief when General Simpson, who suc-
ceeded Lord Raglan, went home. 20,000 bayonets in
splendid order marched past the English commander,
who was afterwards joined by Marshal Pelisier, com-
manding the French army.

A soldier was hung for murder at the end of
February, detachments of 150 men from every regi-
ment being detailed to witness the execution, which
took place early in the morning in pouring rain.

An armistice for one month was concluded on the
1st of March, and on the 2nd April information was
received that a peace had been signed in Paris on the
30th of March.

Preparations for evacuating the Crimea were at
once made.

The embarkation of the British army commenced
early in May, and on the second of that month, the
50th Regiment moved to the Marine Heights, on the
south side of Balaclava Harbour, to assist in the
embarkation of stores.

The head-quarters and right wing of the regiment
embarked onboard H.M.'s steamship ^^ Royal George'^
on the 10th July, and the remainder embarked in
H.M.'s steamship ^^ Algiers" fi-om Balaclava Harbour
on the 12th of that month.

Previous to the departure of the latter vessel a
guard of the 50th Regiment, under Captain Thomp-
son, handed over Balaclava to the Russians, and the

1856.]

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

267

English sentries were relieved by Russians ; Captain
Thompson being the last British soldier to leave the
Crimea.

Besides the Crimean medal and clasps, tlie follow-
ing oflEicers, non-commissioned officers, and men of
the regiment received distinctions: —

Cross of Companion of the Bath.
Lieutenant-Colonel R. Waddy.

Cross of Knight of the Legion of Honour.

Lieut.-Colonel

Major

Brevet-Major
Colour-Sergeant
Private

. R. Waddy, C.B.

. J. L. Wilton.

. H. L Frampton.

. A. C. K. Lock.

. Angus McPlierson, No. 2823.

. Thomas Regan, No. 2933.

Sardinian Medal.

R. Waddy, C.B.
H. E. Weai-e.
E. G. Hibberk.
N. A. Clarke.
J. Lamb.
Andrew O'Leary.
Thomas Regan.

Medjidie.

Lieut..Colonel & Colonel . R. Waddy, C.B.

Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel . H. E. Wearo.

Major . . . . E. G Hibbert.

Brevet-Major . . .A. C. K. Lock.

„ . . . D. W. Tupper.

Lieut.-Colonel & Colonel
Major Bvt.-Lieut.-Colonel
Major
Lieutenant

Private

268 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH REGIMENT. [1856.

Captain . . . . E. C. Antrobus.

yy . . . .J. Thompson.

Lieutenant « . • M. A. Clarke.

„ . . . J. W. Lee.

French Military War Medal.

1789 Sergeant-Major

2783 Colour-Sergeant

3253 Sergeant

3810 Private

3903 „

3606

3500

Robert Foley.
William Turner.
R. W. Newcombe.
John Brennan.
Wilh'am Cooney.
Michael Hannon.
Lawrence Ward.

Medal for Distinguished Conduct in the Field, with
Annuity or Gratuity.

1289 Quartermaster-Sergeant . Thomas Clifford.

1G24 Colour-Sergeant

. Joseph Duncalf.

1871

. George Kent

3340 Corporal .

. "William Fahey.

2263 „

. John Golding.

2823 „

. Andrew O'Leary.

2070 „

. Richard Rogers.

1348 Private

. Edwai-d Cade.

273(5 „

. John Daniels.

3368 ,,

. Daniell Flynn.

3609 „

. Alexander Grant.

3057 ..

. Jerem Moran.

1599 „

. Patrick O'Brien, 1st.

3042 „

. Patrick O'Brien, 2nd

2629 „

■ James Quinn, 1st.

2150 „

. John Wait.

3156 „

. Jolm Walsh, Ist.

CHAPTER X.

THE NEW ZEALAND WAR.

This war commenced by a dispute about some land
at Waitara in 1859, when some desultory operations
took place, and a truce was made in 1861.

But it broke out again in 1863, when Sir George
Grey, the governor, sent soldiers to occupy Tatarai-
maka, which the Maories had seized, and in May of
that year Lieutenant Tragett, Dr. Hope, and 8 rank
and file fell into an ambuscade, and were barbarously
murdered. The hostile natives then threatened Auck-
land and other European settlements; and General
Cameron was recalled from Taranaki, with most of
his force, for the protection of Auckland.

The most important operations, previous to the
arrival of the 50th Regiment, were the dispersal of a
strong column of the enemy, that moved against
General Cameron on the Koheroa range, and the
capture of the strong position of Meri-Meri, on the
right bank of the Waikato River, at the end of
October,

270 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1863.

On the 15th of November of this year, the 50th
Regiment landed at Auckland, under the command
of Colonel Waddy, C.B., and marched next day to
Otahuhu, new colours having been presented previous
to landing by the colonel's wife.

The hostile natives, reinforced by the fugitives
from Meri-Meri, having taken up a strong position
at Rangariri, a native village on the right bank of
the Waikato River, about 12 miles above Meri-Meri,
General Cameron attacked them on the 20th Novem-
ber, assisted by two iron steamers, and, after re-
peated assaults on the enemy's works (owing to the
troops being unprovided with scaling ladders), only
resulting in a useless sacrifice of life, the place, on
being surrounded, surrendered unconditionally the
following day ; and on the 8th of December Ngarua-
wahia was taken possession of unopposed. Here
General Cameron was detained, waiting for supplies,
till the 27th December.*

The 50th Regiment meantime occupied strong
positions as follows : Head-quarters and 3 companies
at Drury; 2 companies at Queen's Redoubt; and 1
company at each of the following stations : Shepherd's
Bush, Martin's Farm, Williamson's Clearing, and
Razorback.f

* Interchangeable rifles were issued to the 50th Regiment on
the 2nd of December, 1863.

t About this time Colonel Waddy, C.B., was appointed colonel
on the staff. He was afterwards acting brigadier, until the
8th April, 1866.

1SG3.]

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

271

t>OTAHUHV
HUNOA

MRTHERIiMAP

NewZealandWar

272 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [18«3-4.

The reffiinent received orders on the 20th Decern-
ber to concentrate at Otahuhu, from whence they
marched to Onehunga, from which place 5 companies
embarked on the 4th January, 1864, for Raglan, and
were followed by the rest of the regiment on the 6th.
This party landed at Eaglan at 6 p.m., and fomid
that the first part of the regiment had gone into the
interior, and was encamped about 10 miles off. The
officer in command (Captain C. R. Johnson) being
unable to obtain a guide, or any information as to the
road, beyond a vague description in broken English
from some Maori women, marched off his party in
the direction which they indicated. After an hour's
marching the road became a series of tracks, branch-
ing in various directions. Taking the one which
seemed the most used, the party soon became
benighted, lost the track, and bivouacked in the fern
for the night. At daylight the next morning, they
found themselves about five miles off the road leading
to the camp.

The regiment then marched to the head of the
Waitatura Valley; and the men were employed in
making a road over the ranges, so as to form a
junction with the force under General Cameron, then
advancing along the right bank of the Waipa river.

On the 26th January tlie regiment crossed over by
this road to Tuhikaramea, leaving Lieutenant-Colonel
Hamley, with 440 men, on the left bank ; the re-
mainder of the regiment crossed the Waipa river,

1864.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 273

and joined General Cameron's force. On the follow-
ing day General Cameron advanced along the right
bank, Lieutenant-Colonel Hamley's party co-operating
on the left bank ; and on the 28tli this latter party
also crossed the river, and the whole force took up a
strong position on a liill at Te Rori, on the left flank
of the Pateranghi Pah, and about 200 yards from the
river, which was navigable for small steamers.

On the 11th February, about 3 p.m., a party of the
50th Eegiment, under the command of Captain Doran,
accompanied by some men of the 40th Regiment,
were proceeding to bathe in the Mangapiko creek (a
tributary of the Waipa), when they were fired on by
the enemy, concealed in fern on tlie opposite side.
The party returned the fire, and reinforcements were
sent up till 200 men were engaged under Sir H.
Havelock. After much hot firing the troops suc-
ceeded in crossing the Mangapiko by a bridge formed
of a single plank, though the banks of the river were
forty to fifty feet high, and densely wooded ; and a
series of hand-to-hand encounters took place in tlie
thick bush, resulting in the Maories being completely
routed.

The 50th Regiment had 2 rank and file killed.

At noon on the 20th February General Cameron
marched to Rangiawhia, which he seized at daylight
on the 21st, surprising the enemy in their beds. The
60th Regiment, which he left at Te Rori, joined him
the next day at Awamutu, to which place he moved

T 2

274 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1864.

after the capture of Rangiawhia. On the 22nd the
enemy were observed moving from Pateranghi ; and
Colonel Waddy, C.B., who now held a separate com-
mand as colonel on the Staff, advancing on that place
with 120 men from his Corps of Observation, found
it was evacuated. Simultaneously Sir H. Havelock
found Piko-Piko had been abandoned. The same
day it was found that a large force of natives, who
had retreated from Pateranghi, were entrenching
themselves between Awamutu and Rangiawhia ; and
General Cameron at once sent a force against them.
The Maori position extended for about 400 yards
along the crest of a ridge at right angles to the road
to Rangiawhia, which it crossed, and the site of an
old pah afforded advantageous cover.

On the approach of two companies of the 70th
Regiment, sent on as advanced piquets, the enemy's
skirmishers, thrown forward a mile from their en-
trenchments, opened fire at 300 yards from behind a
hedge, but were speedily dislodged.

While two guns and skirmishers were engaged with
the enemy, the 50th Regiment, under Colonel Weare,
forming the assaulting column, were lying down in
the road waiting for orders.

They were supported by the 66th and 70th Regi-
ments. On the order for the assault being given, the
50th Regiment dashed forward under a heavy fire,
but until close to the trench and rifle-pits, the enemy's
position could only be approached by a four-deep

1864.]

(THE QUEEN»S OWN) REGIMENT.

275

formation along a narrow road, hemmed in on either
side by high ferns and impenetrable manuka scrub,
which opened out into clear ground about a hundred
yards in front of the position. Lieutenant White
(50th Eegiment) was sent forward with 20 men as a

false attack to draw the fire of the enemy, beiug
quickly followed by No. 1 Company, under Captain
Johnson, and No. 10, under Captain Thompson,
which took ground to the left and right respectively,
so as to turn the flank of the enemy, the remainder
of the regiment attacking their front. The enemy
were found posted behind a post-and-rail fence, and

27C THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1864.

a bank with ditches on either side. Being unable to
withstand the impetuosity of the bayonet charge of
the 50th Regiment, they fired a parting volley when
within twenty yards, and, evacuating the rifle-pits,
broke and fled towards Mangatautari Mountain,
leaving 40 killed and 4 wounded on the field.

The casualties of the regiment were 1 sergeant
killed, Ensign Doveton, 1 sergeant, and 9 privates
wounded.

General Cameron complimented the regiment on
the field, for the splendid manner in which the position
had been taken, and the following is extracted from
his despatch on the subject to Sir George Grey, the
Governor :

" Headquarters, Te Awamutu, 23 Feb., 1864.

*^ The 50th were exposed to a heavy fire in ad-
vancing towards the position, which they carried
with great gallantry.

" I beg to enclose a copy of Colonel Weare's
report describing the attack.

" I cannot praise too highly the admirable conduct
of all the troops. Regular and Colonial, during the
fatiguing night march of the 20th, and the opera-
tions of the two following days ; but particularly of
the mounted Royal Artillery under Lieutenant Rail,
and of the 50th under Colonel Weare.
" I have, &c. &c.,
^^ (Signed) S. A. Cameron, Lieut-Gen.
«* H.E. Sir G. Grey."

1864.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 277

" Extract from Colonel Weare's despatch —

*' ^ The nature of the ground and formation left
little for the commanding officer to do but to place
the men, in the first instance, and then leave officers
commanding companies to fight their men, and I am
proud to say that officers and men nobly did their
duty under very trying circumstances, and while
exposed to a fire that must have caused a very large
increase to the list of casualties, had it not been for
the dense dust raised by the men doubling, which
partially concealed them.

" ^ I beg to bring to the notice of the Lieutenant-
General commanding the forces, the names of Captains
Johnson and Thompson and Lieutenant White, 50th
Regiment.

^^ ' I much regret to say that Ensign Doveton,*50th
Regiment, fell dangerously wounded by the side of
Captain Thompson, while gallantly performing his
duty; ''

On the 22nd of March General Cameron left To
Awamutu with some Royal Artillery, the 50th and
70th Regiments, the Forest Rangers, and 50 men of
the Naval Brigade, and encamped at Pukerimo, on the
left bank of the Horatui river, about seven miles from
Maungatautari, a strong position taken up by the force
of Maories which had been driven from Rangiawhia
on the 22nd February. On the 23rd, this force ad-
vanced to within 300 yards of Maungatautari, and
found the enemy posted in two very strong positions,

278 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1864.

consisting of earthworks constructed on spurs of the
Pukekera Range, which completely blocked the road.
These earthworks were well flanked and palisaded.
The force having reconnoitred the position returned
to camp.

On the 14t]i General Cameron, having been in-
formed of a native path practicable for infantry, which
led to the village in rear of the position, advanced
the Forest Rangers by that route. The enemy's
scouts having warned them of this advance, they
retired into the Taupo country, evacuating both posi-
tions, which were occupied by the 50th Regiment,
who remained in charge of them.*

The field force was now broken up, and the 50th
Regiment remained in camp in the Maungatautari
district until the 15th August, when the head-
quarters proceeded to Otahuhu, leaving a detach-

* On the 21st March Kaitaki fell, and on the 3l8t an unsuccess-
ful attempt was made to take Orakua by assault ; it was again
assaulted on the 2nd of April, when the Maories abandoned the
position, and escaped into the bush, leaving 120 killed and 30
wounded behind them.

Pukehinehana having been occupied in considerable force after
the retreat of the Maories from Maungatautari, a force was moved
against it on the 27th of April, and on the 28th some troops passed
through the shallow part of a mud flat to the rear of the position.
On the 29th the guns and mortars opened fire on the pah, and at
4 p.m. on that date an assault was ordered ; after a fierce fight
the assailants were repulsed with heavy loss, especially of officers ;
but during the night the place was abandoned by the enemy.
The 50th Regiment was not engaged in any of the above
operations.

1864-6.]

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

279

ment at Pukerimu, which rejoined the regiment in
October.

In December the Regiment embarked at Onehunga
for Wanganui.

On the 24th of January a field force, consisting of
ihe 2nd battalion 18th Regiment, the 50th Regiment,

SouthebnMap

New Zealand War,

and detachments of the 57th, under Brigadier-General
Waddy, C.B., marched into the interior of the country
and encamped at Nukumaru, about two miles from the
rebel position of Wereroa.

The right piquet held by the 18th Regiment was
at once attacked by the enemy.

At 2 p.m. the next day the left piquet, held by
Lieutenant Wilson and 80 men of the 60th Regiment,

280 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [18(55.

was attacked by a strong force of the enemy, which
continually increased, and, after a stubborn resistance,
the piquet was forced to retire; but being quickly
reinforced, an engagement took place which lasted
about two hours, the enemy being eventually driven
back to the pali.

Eleven privates of the 50th Regiment were killed,
and 2 officers (Lieutenant Wilson and Ensign Grant)
and 18 privates were wounded.

February 4th, Brigadier- General Waddy, with
1,104 officers and men, was ordered to cross the
Waitotara River, leaving Colonel Weare in command
of the men left at Nukumaru.

February 15th, Wereroa appearing to be very
strong, Brigadier-General Waddy was ordered to
march to Patea, in the hope of drawing the enemy
from their pah, and Colonel Weare took up Brigadier-
General Waddy *s camp at Waitotara.

March 9th, Colonel Weare's party rejoined the
column at Patea.

March 13th, the column, consisting of 1,273 officers
and men, moved up the right bank of the Patea River
towards Kakaramea. After marching about 2^ miles
the enemy was discovered skilfully posted on the
hills commanding the right flank. They opened
fire at a range of about 300 yards, and clung tena-
ciously to their very strong position.

The advanced guard, composed of the 57th Regi-
ment under Major Butler, then changed direction to

1865.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 281

the right, and supported by a portion of the 68th
Regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Movant, and a
company of the 50th Regiment under Captain C. R.
Johnson, (the remainder of the regiment, under Major
Loch, being in reserve), advanced upon the enemy
and drove them from their position after a stout resist-
ance. The original march on Kakaramea was then
resumed, and the callage taken by Captain Johnson's
company, after a sharp skirmish, and afterwards
occupied by a detachment of the regiment.

The enemy's loss in killed and wounded is variously
estimated at 40 and 60 by different autliorities, but
even the latter seems a low estimate, as 43 bodies are
reported to have been found,*

Captain Leach, 60th Regiment, who acted as
Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General on this occasion,
received the thanks of the general.

The following day the force moved northwards,

* My anthority for stating that 43 bodies were found is the
Wanganni Chronicle.

Major Barker, who was adjutant of the regiment at the time,
writing to me on the subject, says :

** I think this number" (43 bodies) "is pretty . accurate, as
there were 5, one a woman, on the hill where they opened fire on
us ; 7 in the swamp behind ; 2 killed by mounted men ; 3 or 4 on
the slope leading to the village ; several in the fern between the
village and the river, and for many days afterwards bodies were
found floating down the river, and bodies were found also lying in
various directions by patrols and wood-parties. One of the
prisoners we took escaping from Botahi, told me there were 50
Maories who never came back after that fight.'*

282 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1865.

meeting witli no further opposition, when Manutahi
was occupied and found to contain a large quantity
of stores, including 200 tons of potatoes.

The regiment successively occupied Tangahoe on
the 29th March, Waingongoro on the 3rd of April,
and Waimate on the 9th of April.

The winter season coming on, General Cameron
decided on advancing no further, and the regiment
returned to Patea. The head-quarters and 400 men
being formed into a moveable column, were encamped
on the right bank of the river.

On the 2nd June, 1865, Colonel Weare's column
marched northward from Patea, in order to form a
junction with Colonel Warre's force marching south-
ward from Taranaki.

This junction being satisfactorily effected, and the
country found to be quiet, Colonel Weare's party
returned, arriving at Patea on the 13th June.

A letter from the general officer commanding was
received, expressing satisfaction with the manner in
which this duty was performed, and with the report
of the country supplied by Lieutenant and Adjutant
Barker, 50th Regiment, who acted as D.A.Q.M.G.

Shortly afterwards, Sir George Grey, having set his
heart on the capture of Wereroa, took on himself the
direction of affairs. He determined to occupy the
heights around the pah, and to shut in the defenders.
Brigadier - General Waddy was posted with 400
regular troops about 900 yards from the position ; but

X865.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 283

this party was only to be employed as a " moral
support." On the 20th of July Lieut.-Colonel Trevor,
14th Regiment, and Captain Noblett, 18th Regiment,
each with 100 men, pitched their tents about 1,300
yards in front of the pah. On the same date a force
of 400 men of the Native Contingent moved north,
in heavy rain, towards the Karaka Heights, leaving
Colonel Trevor's and Captain Noblett's parties alone
in front of tlie pah. They reached the native village
Aciari in the evening, and surprised it, making
prisoners of the inhabitants just before daylihgt next
morning. From this village a narrow bush track led
to the plateau in rear of Wereroa pah. At daybreak
on the 21st rifle shots into Wereroa from the Karaka
Heights awakened its defenders. About 9 p.m. the
whole force marched through the village of Perikama,
and climbed the steep heights leading to the pah.
On the way up they met a native, who told them it
was deserted ; this they found to be the case, one
old woman being the only occupant.

The prisoners taken during this operation were
shipped ofiE to Wellington, confined in a hulk about
a mile and a half from the shore, and placed
in charge of an ofiicer and some men of the 50th
Regiment.

On the 25th of August Sir Duncan Cameron,
having applied to be relieved on account of ill-
health, sailed for England, and was succeeded in the
command by Sir Trevor Chute.

284 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1866.

Major-General Sir Trevor Chute, who now com-
manded the troops in New Zealand, moved from
Wanganui to Wereroa on the 30th of December,
1865 ; and on the 3rd of January, 1866, the troops
moved through the Waitotara block to the strongly
fortified pah of Otokuku, which the rebels considered
impregnable. That afternoon the Native Contingent,
under Major MacDonald, entered the pah by surprise
and burned the wahries or native huts. The follow-
ing morning, however, the pah was reported to be
occupied in force, and General Cliute made dis-
positions to attack it. After a march of about
2 miles through dense forest, and almost impracti-
cable ravines, the troops gained the plateau on which
this formidable defence stood; and it was gallantly
captured by a charge of the 14th Regiment, driving
the enemy down the almost scarped sides and rear.
Information had already been sent to Colonel Weare,
50th Regiment, commanding at Patea, and Major
Lock, 50th Regiment, commanding at Manavoupo,
instructing them to patrol the country in the
vicinity of their posts, with a view of intercepting
and cutting off the enemy's retreat.

The force marched to the Wennokura river on
the 6th of January, and encamped on some high
land to the south, and in front of the rebel strong-
hold of Putahi. Four companies of the 60th Regi-
ment were directed to advance on it, at the same
time from the Patea side, next the river. Putahi

1866.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 286

is situated on a clearing, about half a mile in
diameter, on the top of a hill rising abruptly
from the river, to the height of about 500 feet,
and covered to the crest with dense bush. The
usual approach was on the side on which the main
force was encamped, and was the one the rebels
evidently anticipated we should attempt, they having
erected stockades, and other impediments to assist in
its defence. It was, therefore, decided to attack it in
the rear, and General Chute, having succeeded in
obtaining the services of a guide, marched his force
at 3 a.m. on the 7th, crossed the river by a bridge
constructed the evening before, and, passing over the
plain, ascended a steep spur which brought them on
a plateau to the left front of the pah. The march
may be described as one of continued struggle
through ravines and gullies, which could only be
ascended and descended by the aid of the supplejacks,
and then with great diflSculty. The extreme distance
was barely four miles, but the obstacles met with
made the march last over four hours. When the force
arrived at the clearing, the Native Contingent, who
had led through the bush, formed to the left, and the
Forest Rangers opened out, lying down in skirmish-
ing order, to cover the formation of the remainder of
the force, who, as they emerged one by one from the
bush, were extended with supports — the 2nd Battalion
14th Regiment in the centre, 2nd Battalion 18th Regi-
ment on the right, and the 50th Regiment on the left,

286 THE mSTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1866.

the Native Contingent forming the reserve. This
formation occupied more than an hour, under a desul-
tory fire from the pah, from which it was distant
about 400 yards, and when complete the order was
given to advance. The rebels now opened a heavy
fire, but the line advanced steadily and did not charge
until within 60 yards, when, with a cheer and rush,
they carried the position, the enemy retreating to
the bush beyond, where the Native Contingent was
ordered to pursue them.*

The whole of the troops behaved admirably, and
although working on broken ground, conducted the
attack as steadily as on an ordinary parade.

Colonel Weare, commanding the 50th Regiment,
had previously been directed to send 100 men from
the Patea to the right bank of the Wennokura river ;
this party succeeded in intercepting some of the
rebels retreating by the inland road towards Kaka-
ramea, and taking several prisoners.

The Regiment moved from the Patea district to
Taranaki on the 22nd of February, and was stationed
in the following redoubts: Opunaki, on the coast
about half way between Patea and Taranaki ; Warea,
about thirty miles ; and Stony River, about twenty-
six miles from Taranaki, where the head-quarters
were established.

On the 26th of August, the head-quarters and right

* The accoant of the captDre of Pntahi is taken from General
Chnte's despatch of Janaaiy 8th, 1866.

1866-7.] (THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 287

wing received orders to proceed to Auckland, far
embarkation to New South Wales. They arrived at
Auckland on the 17th of September. On the 26tli
of that month one company embarked for Brisbane ;
and on the 3rd of October the head-quarters and four
companies embarked for Sydney, which they reached
on the 9th.

Five companies of the left wing, under Major and
Lieutenant-Colonel F. Gr. Hamley, continued to hold
the above-mentioned redoubts, but the war was
virtually over.

On the 3rd of June, 1867, two more companies
embarked for Sydney; and on the 11th of July the
remaining three companies, under Lieutenant-Colonel
Hamley, sailed for Adelaide, South Australia, wliich
they reached on the 9th of August.*

Brevet-Colonel Richard Waddy, C.B., who had com-
manded the 50th Regiment throughout the Crimean
war, was subsequently promoted to the rank of major-
general on the 11th of November, 1868.f

A Horse Guards Order of the 1st July, 1870,

• Major and Brevet-Lieutenant- Colonel F. G. Haraley, com-
manding a detachment of the regiment at Adelaide, South
Australia, was appointed Governor in Chief and Captain General
of that Colony, on the 19th of February, 1868, consequent upon
the death of Sir Dominick Daly, K.C.B., and administered the
Government until February, 1869.

t General Sir Richard Waddy, K.C.B., died at Kingstown on
the 9th July, 1881, and a monument was erected to his memory
in Canterbury Cathedral by his brother officers.

288 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH [1869^1.

authorizes the words '* New Zealand " to be borne
on the colours of the regiment, in commemoration of
its services in that country during the years 1863,
1864, 1865, and 1866.

The regiment remained in Australia till the 24th
of March, 1869, when the head-quarters embarked
at Sydney, on board the *^ Himalaya," which had
previously taken up the Brisbane detachment. They
arrived at Adelaide on the 29th, where they em-
barked the detachment under Colonel Hamley. The
regiment disembarked at Devonport on the 14th of
June, 1869.»

Little that is of interest occurred during the home
service of the Queen's Own in England, Ireland, and
Scotland until the year 1881. In April of that year
the 50th was one of the four regiments made up to
a total strength of 1,040 of all ranks.

It would be a grave omission to close this history
of the 50th Regiment, without a reference to the
colours, which it has borne so honourably through
many vicissitudes.

The earliest official information, that I can find of
new colours having been received, occurs in the

* During its service in Australia the regiment was repeatedly
reduced, and finally on the 19th September, 1868, its strength
was : —

Service Companies

Dep6t Companies -

Total -

620 rank and file.

>» l>

700

>»

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. 289

Inspection Report of the 50th, drawn up by General
Dilke in Dublin, on the 27th Jul)'', 1768, in which he
notes, " Two colours, new in 1763 ;" * but standards
must have been presented to the regiment before
this— probably to the 52nd, before it became the
50th.

The 1763 colours were repaired in 1769 or 1770, and
replaced by new ones (sent out to Gibraltar) on the
3rd April, 1786. A note in one of the inspection reports
might lead to the belief, that standards were again
given to the regiment in 1777, in which year they
were reported as bad ; but from subsequent reports I
am of opinion that they were repaired in 1777 or
1778, as they are again reported as bad in 1781,
1784, and 1785, which would not have been the case
if new ones had been received in 1777, while repairs
in that year would just have kept them in fair con-
dition till 1781, which is implied by no mention
being made of them in the intervening returns.
Colours were again received in 1804, on receipt of
which the old colours were burnt, with military
honours, at the hend of the regiment. This is the
first colour noted in the Orderly Room Records.

The illustration on next page is taken from a picture
at the Heralds' College, to which the following note

* The date of these new colours corresponds with the return of
the regiment from Germany after the Seven Years' War (March,
1763), during which campaign the previous colours would have
been worn out.

290 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH

from Major Haven,* commanding the regiment, is

attached :

" Cork 1807. Colours made some time ago."
" The Sphinx and Egypt added lately."

This drawing must, therefore, liave been taken
from the 1786 colour, to which the '^Sphinx" and
"Egypt" had been added. The colours of 1801
must have borne these devices from the beginning,
as they were sanctioned by official letter of July 6th,
1802. Nevertheless, with these devices it becomes a
true representation of the 1804 regimental colour.
These colours were borne with honour in the cam-
paigns of Copenhagen, Vimiero, Corunna (where
Ensigns Moor and Stewart were shot under them), in
the Walcheren Expedition, and through the Peninsula.

On new colours being presented in 1815, the old
ones, that had seen such splendid service, were burnt
with military honours at the head of the regiment.
Thus following the precedent that had been set with
the 1786 colour, which was borne in Corsica and
through the 1801 Egyptian campaign. New colours
were again supplied in 1815 ;t these and the 1863

* Major Haven became senior Major of the 50tli Regiment on
the 18th June, 1801.

t An article in the January number of the ** Journal of the
Royal United Service Institution " says, " that on the 60th
receiving new colours in 1827 from Queen Adelaide, then
Duchess of Clarence, the old colours which had been carried
in the Peninsula War were cremated, and the ashes preserved
in a box forming part of the mess plate, and on the box was

(THE QUEEN^S OWN) REGIMENT. 291

standards were the only ones that never were in
action.

This illustration represents the regimental colours
(of the pair) given to the regiment, by His
Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, on the 8th
August, 1827. It is peculiarly interesting, as it was
in consequence of this, that the 50th Regiment
became **the Duke of Clarence's Own" in the
following September, and was authorised to wear
his device, W with a crown over it, at the three
corners of the regimental colour (authority at the
Heralds' College). It does not appear, however, that
this device ever was actually borne.

All the above colours consisted of a broad red
St. George's cross on a black ground (with blue
war scrolls), to match the black facings of the regi-
ment; and though the 50th became the Queen's
Own in 1831, and assumed blue facings as a royal
regiment, the colours were not changed; and the
pair presented by the Duke of Clarence were borne
with great distinction, through the campaigns in
India. These were the colours that were shown
to Sir Charles Napier in 1845 when **he grasped

engraved the names of those who fell under the colours in action."
This must refer to the 1804 colour, not to the 1815 one, which
preceded the one presented by the Duke of Clarence in 1827.

I wish some confirmation could be obtained of this. I have a
faint recollection of hearing a rumour of this kind, when I first
joined the regiment, but it was only a rumour, and there is no
foundation for the story of the mess plate.

292 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH

them with enthusiasm and expressed himself with
characteristic and glowing language/' (O.R.R.)

In 1845 new colours were sent out to India, and
Colonel Ryan, commanding the regiment, endea-
voured to get Sir Charles Napier to present them in
the following letter : —

" Sir,—

" On the 8th of August, 1827, his Majesty King
William the Fourth, presented in person and in the
presence of the Queen Dowager of England, the
colours of the 50th (Queen's Own) Regiment, which
are now borne in its ranks.

" The sacred banners are now, by the lapse of time,
faded and mouldering. They liaye been present in
one battle since their presentation, that battle is now
enrolled, by the Sovereign's command (in addition
to others), on those standards. You have, Sir, served
in the 50th Regiment, and commanded it in one of
its fiercest fights, and you obtained, at its head and
in its front, early fame and renown.

" New colours have now reached the regiment at
this station. They are yet unfurled.

** I now write to you. Sir, in the name of that regi-
ment, which I have the honour temporarily to com-
mand, and I also, as the last remaining representative
and soldier of the old 50tli, invite you to present
(when a favourable opportunity may occur) the new
colours.

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT. *m

"Banners received from the hands of a soldier,
whose name is associated with the Peninsula 50th
in bright and glorious days, cannot fail to increase
in the young 50th, that esprit de corps, which has
long been characteristic of the 50th Kegiment, and
which cannot fail to animate, and cheer to glorious
results, when they are first unfurled on the battle-
field.

"I have, &c., &c.,

"J. Ryan, Lieut.-Colonel,

" Major Commanding 50th Regt.

" LooDiANA, 8th August, 1845."

To this Sir Charles Napier replied :

" KuRRACHBE, August 22ncl, 1845,
'' SiK,

" I received your letter, written to me in the name
of the 50th Regiment, and asking me to present to it
its new standard.

" Tell the regiment, I pray you, that every feeling
expressed by me in dedicating my book on military
law to the corps is still vivid in my heart. I gloried
in its ancient laurels. I glory in those it more re-
cently gained at Punniar. Proud shall I be, to present
its new colours to this celebrated regiment, which
victory has always attended ; for its valour ever seized
with ardour the opportunities offered by its fortunes.

" If fate throws us together before the 16th Jan-

204 THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTIETH

uary, 1846, great will be my satisfaction ; if not, I
must resign, with regret, the honour you intended for
me ; but I shall remember with pride, that on that
day thirty-seven years ago, I commanded the 50th in
battle under the great and immortal Moore, whoso
dying eyes were fixed on the advancing colours of
our regiment.

" I have, &c.,

" Napier, Major-General/*

Unfortunately Sir Charles Napier had no oppor-
tunity of presenting these colours, having to return
to his government of Scinde, and the 50th Regiment
continued to bear the old ones, embarking under them
for England in 1848. It was on the occasion of the
embarkation of the head-quarters from Fort William,
that the general oflScer commanding, reported of these
colours : " Hardly a rag remaining. They have nobly
done their duty."

The 1845 colours were taken into use for the first
time at Walmer Barracks, Deal, on the 18th July,
1848. These were the first colours with a blue
ground ever borne by the regiment. They were
carried through the Crimea, and continued in use
until new ones were received on board ship, which
were presented by the wife of Colonel Waddy,
commanding, on the 5tli November, 1863, previous to
the regiment landing for service in the New Zealand
War.

(THE QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.
Table of Colours and Actions.

295

Year.

Where borae.

Year.

Where Lome.

About
1756

7 Years' War.

1815

1763

—

1827

Sutlej.

C Corsica.

1845

Crimea.

1786

1 Egypt, 1801.

1863

New Zealand.

1804

Copenhagen.

Vimiero.

Comnna.

Walcheren.

Peninsula.

On the 1st of July, 1881, territorial titles came
into force— and the 50th Regiment became (The
Queen's Own) Royal West Kent. The 97th Regi-
ment, which at one time also bore the title of "The
Queen's Own", becoming the 2nd battalion.

In the following February Lieutenant-Colonel
Fyler, commanding the regiment, presented a cup
formed from the staves of tlie old Crimean colours
set in gold with a crystal stem containing a portion
of the colour itself. This last record of the Old
Colours fittingly closes the history of a regiment
whose gallant deeds are "footprints in the sands of
time."

APPENDIX I.

SHORT SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF SIR CHARLES
NAPIER, G.C.B.

Charles Napier, the eldest son of Colonel the Honourable
George Napier and Lady Sarali his wife, was born in 1782,
and educated in Ireland.

When he was twelve years old, he was appointed to an
ensigncy in the 33rd Regiment.

He was appointed to the staff at Limerick in 1799 ; he was
afterwards for some years on half-pay of the 4th Irish Regi-
ment, became captain of the Royal Staff Corps, obtained a
brevet majority on the 29tli May, 1806, and was posted to tlie
second battalion of the 50th Regiment, on the 6th November of
that year.

He writes from Ashford, Kent, in March, 1807:

"Our men have got ophthalmia, and are dying fast; also
from inflammation caused by the coldness of the weather, and
bad barracks. There is no raging fever — cold alone is the
cause — ^yet the men die three or four a day."*

Again in May he writes :

" The soldiers have got pneumonia at Hythe, and are dying
as fast as we folks at Ashford. Only think of a surgeon taking
in one day one hundred and sixty ounces of blood, and the man
18 recovering I They say bleeding to death is the best way of
recovering them 1 " *

♦Both these quotations are from Butler's "Life of Sir C.
Napier," a book that should be read by every 50th officer.

298 HISTORY OF THE 50rH (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

The above extracts^ taken by permission of Messrs. Macmillan
and Co. from Sir W. Butler's '' Life of Sir C. Napier/' show
that at the age of twenty-five, Charles Napier took a deep
interest in the soldiers' welfare.

Major Charles Napier was transferred in 1818 from the second
battalion of the 50th to the first battalion, then on active service
in Spain, in order to relieve Major Hill, wounded at Vimiero,
and shortly afterwards, on the promotion of Colonel Walker, he
obtained temporary command of the regiment, which he held
through all the difficulties and trials of the retreat, and the battle
of Corunna, which are fully dealt with in the chapter on that
campaign.

The following extract from Captain Patterson's work, shows
how Major Napier obtained the love of his soldiers, on the trj'ing
march from Monte Santo to Salamanca :

*' The wearied soldiers toiled with difficulty along, under the
most tempestuous weather, severely felt in those Alpine regions,
where the cold was so excessive, as to require the hardest bodily
exercise to withstand it. In order to keep the men alive, the
band and drums were frequently put into requisition, and our
commander, Major Napier, occasionally ordered some well-
known national quick-step, when in a moment, as if by magic,
the tired and jaded, stepped out once more with fresh spirit.

" The young recruits and drummers felt the hai'dship most,
and often on the journey has Major Napier given his charger to
one of tlieni, or to any poor fellow who could not well get on,
while with a musket, or sometimes a brace, on his shoulders, he
walked before the regiment,"

The account of the capture of Major Napier at Corunna,
given in his own words in Sir W. Butler's " History of Sir C.
Napier," is so full of interest that I give it verbatim, by per-
mission of Messrs. Macmillan and Co. :

" I said to the four soldiers (Irish privates of the 50th and
42nd), 'Follow me, and we will cut through them.' Then,

APPENDIX. 299

with a shout, I rushed forward. The Frenchmen had halted,
but now ran on to us, and just as my spring was made the
wounded leg failed and I felt a stab in the back ; it gave no
pain, but felt cold, and threw me on my face. Turning to rise,
I saw the man who had stabbed me making a second thrust,
whereupon, letting go my eabre, 1 caught his bayonet by the
socket, turned the thrust, and, raising myself by the exertion,
grasped his firelock with both hands, thus in mortal struggle
regaining my feet. His companions had now come up, and I
heard the dying cries of the four men witli me, who wore all
instantly bayoneted. We had been attacked from behind by
men not before seen, as we stood with our backs to a doorway,
out of which must have rushed several men, for we were all
stabbed in an instant, before the two parties coming up the
road reached us. They did so, however, just as my struggle
with the man who had wounded me was begun. That was a
contest for life, and being the strongest I forced him between
myself and his comrades, who appeared to be the men whose
lives I had saved, when they pretended to be dead on our
advance through the village. They struck me with their
muskets, clubbed and bruised me much, whereupon, seeing no
help near and being overpowered by numbers and in great pain
from my wounded leg, I called^out ^ Je me rend,' remembering
the expression correctly from an old story of a fat officer, whose
name being James, called out ^ Jemmy round.' Finding they
had no disposition to spare me, I kept hold of the musket,
vigourously defending myself with the body of the little Italian
who had first wounded me ; but I soon grew faint, or rather
tired. At that moment a tall, dark man came up, seized the
end of the musket with his left hand, whirled his braas-hilted
sabre round, and struck me a powerful blow on the head, which
was bare, for my cocked-hat had fallen ofi^. Expecting the
blow would finish me, I had stooped my head in hopes it might
fall on my back, or at least on the thickest part of the head, and
not on the left temple. So far I succeeded, for it fell exactly

300 raSTORY OF THE SOth (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

on the top, cutting me to the bone, but not through it. Fire
sparkled from my eyes. I fell on my knees blinded, but not
quite losing my senses, and holding still to the musket. Re-
covering in a moment, I saw a florid, handsome, young French
drummer holding the arm of the dark Italian, who was in the act
of repeating the blow Quarter was then given ; but they tore
my pantaloons in tearing my watch and purse from my pocket,
and a little locket of hair which hung round my neck But
while this went on two of them were wounded, and the drum-
mer, Guibert, ordered the dark man who had sabred me to take
me to the rear. When we began to move, I resting on him
because hardly able to walk, I saw him look back over his
shoulder to see if Guibert was gone, and so did I, for his
rascally face made me suspect him. Guibert's back was towards
us ; he was walking off, and the Italian again drew his sword,
which he had before sheathed. I called out to the drummer^
* This rascal is going to kill me ; brave Frenchmen don*t kill
prisoners.' Guibert ran back, swore furiously at the Italian,
shoved him away, almost down, and putting his arms round
my waist supported me himself. Thus this generous French-
man saved me twice, for the Italian was bent upon slaying.

" We had not proceeded far up the lane when we met a soldier
of the 50th walking at a rapid pace. He instantly halted, re-
covered his arms and cocked his piece, looking fiercely at us to
make out how it was. My recollection is that ho levelled at
Guibert, and that I threw up his musket, calling out, * For
God's sake don't fire ; I am a prisoner, badly wounded, and
can't help you ; surrender.' ^ For why would I surrender ? '
he cried aloud, with the deei^est of Irish brogues. * Because
there are at least twenty men upon you.' * Well, if I must
surrender — there,' said he, dashing down his firelock across
their legs and making them jump, * there's my firelock for yez.'
Then coming close up he threw his arm round me, and giving
Guibert a push that sent him and one or two more reeling
against a wall, he shouted out, ^ Stand back, ye bloody spal-

APPENDIX. 301

peeiiB, I'll carry him mj^self; bad luck to the whole of yez.*
My expectation was to see them fall upon him, but John Hen-
nessey was a strong and fierce man, and he now looked bigger
than he was, for he stood upon higher ground. Apparently
they thought him an awkward fellow to deal with He seemed
willing to go with nie, and they let him have his own way."

Major Napier was released on parole not to serve till
exchanged, which did not permit him to rejoin his regiment,
then in the south of England, till January, 1810, but home
service had little attraction for him, and in May of that year
he volunteered to the staff of General Crawford, commanding
the Light Division in tlie Peninsula. Ho had two horses shot
under him at the attack on Crawford's position in front of
Almeida, and was afterwards severely wounded on the staff
of Lord Wellington at Busaco, the day after the 50th landed
at Lisbon (see page 127). He was invalided at that place
throughout the winter, during which the army occupied the
lines of Torres Vedras.

Early in March when the campaign reopened in the spring,
though still suffering from his severe wound, he went off to
join his regiment ; riding 90 miles in 24 hours (Sir W. Butler),
which he must have reached about the time of the investment
of Almeida, with the subsequent action of Fuentcs d'Onor.

In June, 1811, Major Napier was promoted to the command
of the 102nd Regiment.

He left the 50th Regiment on the banks of the Tagus,
and they saw him no more until they met at Lahore, in India,
35 years later (see page 236). How much had happened in
that interval. The 50th Regiment were fresh from their recent
victories in the Punjaub, and Sir Charles Napier was the
renowned conqueror of Scinde.

For a succinct account of his later services I cannot do better
than refer to the speech of Lieutenant-Colonel H. de B. Sidley,
commanding the 50th Regiment, when Sir Charles dined at
their mess in Preston on the 19th June, 1852,

302 mSTORY OF THE SOth (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

Tlie letter of Sir Charles Napier accepting Lieut. -Colonel
Sidley's invitation to dinner is so characteristic that I give

it in full:

" May 3l8t, 1852.
" My dear Sidlet,

" The Officers of the Fiftieth do me great honor, and I shall
have much pleasure in dining once more at my dear old mess.
Few are now alive that were at it in my time, but there are
some. It was somewhere about the time of the Deluge ! but
whether before or after I don't quite remember. I think after,
because as we were *The Devil's Royals' Noah would not
have let a man of us into the ark.

" Well, deluvian or antideluvian, I will with Grod's blessing
dine with you all on the day aft*3r the Preston dinner, i.e. the
19th June. I must be back by the 20th; will you settle this
with Mr. Cooper, who has been so kind as to ask me to his
liouse. I wish you joy of the command of a Regiment which,
if antideluvian, may have run away before the flood, but cer-
tainly never did since ! Well, give my best respects to the
glorious old 50th. I hope my abominable liver will not prevent
my seeing you on the 19th, for I love the Regiment as if I had
never left it.

" I have my old belt and breast-plate still, and I will wear it
when I go to you, as it is to me a memorial of old and glorious
days.

" Yours truly,

" C. Napibr."

I give below an extract from the newspaper report of the
above. Sir C. Napier's account of the death of Sir John Moore
will be found full of interest : —

" On Saturday evening last. Sir Charles Napier's stay in the
neighbourhood permiting it, a banquet was given at the barracks
by the officers of the 50tli Regiment to * the Conqueror of
Scinde,' to commemorate his visit to Preston, and in order
that they might have once more at their mess-table, the hero of

APPENDIX. 303

a thousand fights. The room was decorated with irrefragable
evidences of the bravery of the 50th, and of their having been
engaged in hot action. Behind the chairman's seat were the
fragments of two colours, which had often waved over the
scene of conflict and of victory, during the campaign in which
the 50th were engaged in India. These flags certainly bore
unmistakeable proofs of having seen hard service, the remnant
of them consisting of nothing more than the poles and a few
tatters — very rags. On the other side were three other colours,
trophies of war, originally the property of the Sikhs, from whom
they were taken by the 50th. On the table was a silver cup,
presented to the 50tli by Waldemar, Prince of Prussia, who was
travelling in India during the campaign, and joined the 50th
Regiment, to which he became much attached. He is since dead:

*^ Sir Charles Napier was escorted by a guard of honour, con-
sisting of a hundred men, each wearing a medal, and commanded
by Captain Frampton, of the light company, and who lost an
arm at the battle of Alliwall. The other officers over the guard
of honour were Burns and Thomson.

" Lieutenant-Colonel Sidley rose and said, * I rise with very
much pleasure, but with much diffidence, to propose the toast
of the evening — diffidence, from a knowledge that the pleasing
office has fallen into feeble hands, and pleasure at feeling how
highly honoured the officers of the 50th and myself ai^e, at
having once more amongst us, at his own mess-table, our dis^
tinguished guest (Cheers). It is impossible by anything I can
say, to add to the well-earned fame of the conqueror of Scinde;
He is, however, dear to us all, as the major who commanded
the 50th Regiment throughout the Peninsula campaign, ter-
minating with the battle of Corunna (applause) under the dis-
tinguished Sir John Moore, whose dying eyes were fixed upon
the advancing victorious banners of the 50th, and whose last
words relating to our distinguished guest were, " Well done,
50th I well done, my majors ! " (Applause.) There, after having
completely routed the enemy, our gallant major fell to rise again,

304 HISTORY OF THE 50rH (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

but totally disabled by five difierent wounds. He, however,
afterwards returned to the Peninsula in 1809, and, at the action
of Coa had two horses shot under him ; he was again severely
wounded at Busaco, was present at Fuentes d'Onor, the second
siege of Badajos, and in very many brilliant skirmishes. (Cheers.)
He served in a floating expedition on the coast of the United
States of North America, landing many times to very good
purpose ; he was present in the campaign of 1815 in France,
and was at the storming of Cambray ; commanded the force
employed in Scinde, and on the 17tli of February, 1843, with
2,800 British troops only, he attacked and defeated, after a
desperate action of three hours' duration, 35,000 of the enemy
at Meanee (cheers) ; four days afterwards Hyderabad surren*
dered to his arms (cheers) ; and on the 24ih of March, with
but 6,000 men, he again attacked and signally defeated 26,000
of the enemy at Dubha, near Hyderabad (cheers), thus com-
pleting the conquest of Scinde. (Applause.) We find him
again, in 1845, with a small force of all arms taking the field
against the mountain and desert tribes on the right banks of
the Indus, to the north of Shikurpoor, following them into the
almost impregnable natural fastnesses of the Trukkar Hills,
1,000 feet above the level of the surrounding country, and
effecting the destruction of those robbers ; and, if permitted,
with his little Bombay army assembled the following year
at or about Bhawalpoor, he would have planted the British
colours on the fortress of Moultan. Subsequently he was to be
found when that dreadful scourge (cholera) attacked tlie troops
at Kushawur, and when the 86tli Regiment, in particular, had lost
from the 15th to the 30th of June, 14 sergeants, 12 corporals,
1 drummer, 211 privates, 15 women, and 11 children, in all
264 souls. In the midst of disease and death, traversing the
hospitals, seeing how best he could not only serve the poor
sufferers himself, but, by example, how he could induce others
to do so. These, gentlemen, are the acts by which a general is
Qndeared to his followers. Sir Charles has been serving his

APPENDIX. 305

country everywhere. His country owes him much ; the soldiera
not A little ; for he has ever been the soldier's sincere and un-
flinching friend, and he is even at this time endeavouring to
secure greater comforts for those who serve in India. It was
my good fortune to have been sometime under his command in
Scinde, and I can, therefore, say how much his troops admired
him, native as well as European : they knew that he could not
only take into and command them well in action, but lead them
on to glorious victory. Gentlemen who have never been in
India probably do not know that the gentleman in black (they
always paint him white) is all-powerful ; that, in fact, there is
nothing impossible for him to accomplish. They had also a
very exalted opinion of Sir Charles Napier's capabilities ; but,
as they could not exactly make him the gentleman in white,
they would make him a very near relation, and, therefore, called
him " Shytan koe Bhae " — the Hindostan name for his satanio
majesty^s brother. (Laughter.) So you may all imagine, his
name, with us, would have been equal to double our number in
our projected attack on Moultan. Gentlemen, as I told you
before, nothing in my power to advance can add to Sir Charles
Napier's fame ; still, I can only hope — and I am sure all my
brother officers will join me in that hope — that if any enemy
should be found rash enough to assail us, '^ the Conqueror of
Soinde'' may be selected as our leader, when, no doubt, he will,
with his usual alacrity, again buckle on his trusty sword —
perhaps that sword which was presented to him by Lord Ellen-
borough, while yet Governor-General of India, as a trifling
acknowledgment for his services in Scinde — and provide himself
with a good portable marching kit, not forgetting "the two
towels and bit of soap." Tlien, gentlemen, I venture to say he
will not forget his old corps, the 50th, but teach the young 50th
what he taught the old 50 years ago — ^to fight to the death for
their beloved Queen, their country, and her people — the finest
country and noblest people in the world. (Cheers.) I now
propose, gentlemen, " The health of ©ur illustrious guest,

306 HISTORY OF THE Wra (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

General Sir Charles Napier, the Hero of Scinde, with all the
honours; maj health, happiness, long life, and increasing
honours attend him ; or, to use an eastern expression, May
his shadow never grow less." (Loud cheers.)

^^ The toast was drunk amid terrific applause.

" Band : ' See, the CJonquering Hero comes/

^^ Sir Charles Napier, on rising, was loudly applauded. He
observed that he had to thank them all, in the first instance, for
the way they had received the toast that had been given ; and,
he had to thank his friend, Colonel Sidley, in the second
instance, for having spoken so favourably of him. He was
afraid that all generals had a great many people under thcin
who wore partial to them, and he was afraid his friends there
were. C No, no,' and a voice, ^ Right good reason for being
so.') He was there among his family, he might say. (Cheers.)
It was exactly forty-one years since he left the mess of the 50th
Bcgiment, on the banks of the Tagus, in Portugal. The soldiers
of that regiment were there drawn out to meet Marshal Soult,
who, however, did not like their looks and went buck. (Loud
applause.) He (the gallant general) was very sick, not being
able to ride back to his tent, and he was sent away from his
regiment by his dear friend Colonel Stewart. He went off to
Lisbon very ill, tliinking his promotion was settled; but, however,
he found a lieutenant-colonelcy, which took him away from the
50th Regiment, to his very great sorrow. He never rested till
he got back to the regiment, a few years afterwards, but before
he joined it— the 2nd Battalion— it was broken ; and, from that,
he had always looked with affection to the 50th and belonged to
it in heart and feeling, and wherever he had been he had
wished himself at the head, once more, of the oOtli. (Loud
cheers.) But, as events progressed, he certainly got a very
awkward acquaintance with the 22nd Regiment, and he was
in action with a large force. Those gentlemen who had been
in India knew well how the Sepoys were run down. He had

APPENDIX. 307

never seen them in action prior to the battle, ho had heard
much against them and very little in their favour, he could not,
therefore, tell what their character in fight was. In the battle
of Meanee he had had 500 British soldiers, the rest were Sepoys.
Now, though they might hardly conceive it, the 500 men of the
22nd, who won the battle of Meanee by their courage, set an ex-
ample to the Sepoys of unflinching daring, were followed by the
Sepoys most gloriously, and, after the battle, he began to share his
love for the 50th with the 22nd. (Cheers.) Well, the news of
the battle had hardly reached England when the old general —
Finch by name — gave up the ghost. He remembered that old
general as colonel of the 22nd Begiment when he was a boy.
The major-generals who had not a regiment thought that he
would never die (laughter). Well, in the meantime, the last
trumpet did sound, and the regiment being vacant Her Majesty
graciously gave the 22nd Begiment to him ; and in the interim
they had fought another battle entirely with the Sepoys,
except the remnant of the 500 British troops^ whom, as
they would suppose, were, by that time, tolerably diminished.
And, in the second action the Sepoys were, ^ all knew who
had been in India, the stand-fast of the battle. (Cheers.)
Well, just after that he received the news that he was colonel
of the 22nd Begiment ; and from that time forth there was this
difference between the 22nd and 50tli Begiments in relation to
him: the 50th were acquaintances in the abstract, it was the
regiment he knew, but he never saw them after till he met them
at Lahore. He loved the regiment, but he did not know the
men or the officers; but the 22nd — men and officers — had
fought by his side and won all sorts of honours for him in two
desperate actions, and, therefore, he was obliged to tell them
the truth, that the 22nd Begiment was the regiment he loved
best in the world. (Applause.) JThat was to say, he loved the
men and officers of the 22nd Begiment (applause), but his
affection for the 22nd Begiment could never surpass the pride
he had in the 50th Begiment. (Cheers.) He had great affection

308 HISTORY OF THE 50rH (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

for both, and if the 22n(l Regiment were not his own regiment
he could hardly say which he loved the best. And now, having
talked a little about Europeans, he thought it right to say, now
that he was here, away from India and tliat he had done with
India, that finer soldiers, braver soldiers, more well-conductod
soldiers than the Sepoys of India he never commanded. (Loud
applause.) He had commanded British regiments and seen
plenty of them in action, and if it came to bayonets notliing
could stand before them (cheers), and as far as firing went, and
as far as following the British soldiers went, as of keeping up
with them and emulating them, the Sepoys were always up to
Uie raark^ when well led. He trusted to the 22nd at the battle of
Meanee; but he had such confidence in the Sepoys, and
knowing the 22nd, he ordered the worst regiment of Sepoys
to lead the attack. But he trusted to the circumstance of
being present himself with his staff, and he had confidence
in the Sepoys, he had no doubt of their conduct. He
was, however, in doubt as to the issue of the conflict;
and he changed the order of battle, and attacked witli
the left instead of the right, in which were the 22nd
and 12 til Regiments^ and in both those actions the Sepoys
behaved gallantly, and perfectly becoming British regi-
ments. He did say that, wherever the army in India
was led on by British troops, interspei'sed with Sepoys,
and the general order of battle was well arranged, the Sepoys
would never be found to be deficient in courage. He was
particularly obliged to remark that he saw tried the 3rd
cavalry of tlie Scinde Horse, the 12th Infantry, and the
25th Infantry ; and that he would go into action with Uiese
regiments on the morrow, witliout a single British soldier.
The Sepoys would fight well if they were well led, he was
convinced ; he had seen them tried in the hardest way, and
never found them to fail. He saw the Bombay army, the
officers of which some writers have lately ridiculed— they had
risen from the ranks, and were, therefore, very old before they

APPENDIX. 309

became officers — two years ago, scale the mountains and rocksj
gallantly headed by the officers, old as they were, under a
heavy fire and shower of rocks, doing their duty as well as
it was possible for men to do it ; and he therefore thought
it was very hard to hear a British officer, calling himself a
Bombay officer, writing against those officers, because they
were not, perhaps, as young as himself. They were not,
perhaps, as young as himself, but they were as brave ; they
were not as active, because it could not be expected that he
could get up a parcel of rocks as quickly as his friend Sidley
could — (hear, hear, and laughter) — and, when any man had
to scale rocks under a heavy fire, he did not go up so very
fast, but took care to be sure-footed. However, these Sepoy
officers went up most gallantly, and the other men followed.
He kept her Majesty's troops in reserve, in case of any acci-
dent ; but it was only just to say that the Sepoys were right
good soldiers and gallant soldiers in the field. Having thus
dilated to them a little upon his military history, and the
martial character of Sepoys, there was one subject in his
friend's speech which he could not help noticing — that was,
the death of Sir John Moore. He could hardly speak of that
great man's death, because he was ashamed to open his mouth
about it, after the beautiful description given of it by his
brother, in his late work and his former work. The death of
that great man was one of the most glorious events that ever
happened. They talked about Wolfe's death : Wolfe was struck
by a shot, and carried to the rear of the 22nd Regiment, when
there was a cry from the heights of Abraham, ' They run, they
run I ' * Who run ? ' asked the dying hero. ^ The enemy,'
was the reply. ^ Then,' said Wolfe, ^ I die content.' That
was great and glorious. Well, when Moore was shot (he had
tliis from Lord Hardinge, his aide-de-camp), his left shoulder
was struck with a cannon shot, his left arm was hanging
from his shoulder, and his heart was laid bare, and his agony
was beyond description. He fell, sitting, and there he snt^

310 HISTORY OF THE 50rH (QUEENS OWN) REGIMENT.

looking upon the action, never asking for help, never
uttering a groan. Hardiuge dismounted his horse and ran
to him, and said, ^ I hope, general, this won't be mortal.'
Moore looked round, and said, ^ Hardinge, I am a dead
man; tell me how the enemy get on?* He fixed his eyes
upon their advance — because the 50th were always pretty
forward — and made no other observation save ^ Tell Baird that
I am mortally wounded.' He never asked to be taken from
the field. Lord Hardinge was going to take away his sword,
which was dangling between his legs. Moore said, ^No,
Hardinge. let it go from the field with me.' That was the only
observation Moore made about himself. He was carried off the
field by four men, in a blanket^ and he made them turn round
several times in sight of the scene of conflict, to let him look
upon it At that time his heart was laid bare, his ai*m was
hanging by a piece of skin, and turned round tlie right shoulder.
It was impossible to conceive a heroism greater than this. It
was not from numbness produced by the shot, because, when
he was conveyed into the room, tlie surgeon did not attempt to
dress him, as the case was hopeless, and the dying general said,
* I feel so strong — I feel that I shall be too long in dying ; I
hope to Qod, it may come soon, to relieve me from this horrid
torture.' So it was not numbness from the shot, but regular,
right-down John Bull heroism. (Cheers.) It was some satis-
faction to the young officers present, to hear one who was on
the spot at the time speak of what happened to that great man.
(Cheers.) His memory never could be too greatly held in
estimation by the British army, particularly the 50th Regi-
ment, to whom he gave the last words of encouragement in that
great battle. (Cheers.) He thought he had then talked long
enough. (Loud and long-continued applause.)"

Sir Charles Napier afterwards inspected the 50tli at Fulwood
Barracks, when he made the following address to them : —

" Soldiers of the 50th, — It would be useless in me to address

APPENDIX. 311

you as a steady and well-drilled regiment^ as all regiments'
under his Grace the Duke of Wellington are well drilled. I
address you *as a hard-fighting regiment^ as a regiment that
has gained many a well-earned laurel in the field. It is now
forty-three years since I commanded you as Lieutenant-Colonel
and Major in many a hard-fought battle in the Peninsula. The
other day I met you again at Lahore^ and was exceeding glad
to see that you still maintained the high renown, and general
good disciplinary character, which you had previously so well
earned on the Peninsula. No regiment in India^and I say
it because you well deserve this tribute of praise — no regiment
in India distinguished itself more than the 50th ; and I have,
on more than one occasion, had great cause to admire your,
bearing and action in the field, your patience and energy, your
perseverance and moral courage. Soldiers, the regiment that
a man first joins is his home, and he always afterwards looks
upon it as his home ; and when a man, after being absent from
it for a length of time, comes back to it once more, his feelings
are those of a man who is once more returning to the friends
he loves — to tlie home which is endeared to his heart. I look
at this visit of mine to this regiment as a return to my friends
— to my old home ; and, as being the greatest honour it is in
my power to bestow upon this regiment, I now wear the same
belt and plate I wore when major of this corps. [The general
here exhibited to the soldiers the accoutrements mentioned by
him.] I have again this day admired your steadiness and drill,
and am truly proud to see you in the state you now are ; — no
one sick, no one absent, no one quarrelling, but rough and
ready, able and willing to fight at the first sound of a gun."

He then turned to Lieutenant-Colonel iSidley, and compli-
mented him in warm terms upon the state of the regiment,
speaking particularly of their appearance and discipline.

Sir Charles then resumed :

^^ There has been a great deal of talk about the Mini^ rifle ;

312 HISTORY OF THE 50rH (QUEENS' OWN) REGIMENT.

but I ban assure you, 50th, there is nothing like * Old Brown
Bess/ with a fixed bayonet, a strong arm, a strong heart, and
strong courage. I have seen the 50th, with the ofd ram-down
musket and bayonet beat all before them, and they would beat
the devil if they met with him. If you were to go to meet the
French to-morrow I would be willing to lead you."

There is little more to relate. Sir Charles suffered from the
wound he received at Busaco to the last day of his life.

He almost died of sunstroke shortly after liis brilliant victory
of Meanee; and as governor and commander-in-chief of
Scinde, he was fighting the hill tribes at the same time as the
50th were fighting on the Sutlej ; but he was never a favourite
with the East India Company, and in 1847 he quitted his com-
mand, and retired to the seclusion of his family at Oaklands in
Hampshire, until disaster in India again called him to the
front-
In 1849 the Duke of Wellington offered him the post of
commander-in-chief in India, and is reported to have said, ^' If
you don't go, I must." He landed in India on the 6th May,
1849, and though the Sikh War was over before he arrived, he
had much to do in the reform of administration, to which he
lent all his energies. This made him many enemies.

He drew his sword for tlie last time in an expedition tlirough.
the Kohat Pass, from which he returned successful, only to find
a reprimand from the Indian Government awaiting him.

He at once resigned, and returning to England in March,
1851, he resumed his life at Oaklands, where he lived in retire-
ment until he passed away on the 29th of August, 1853.

The annexed description of his end, from his life by Sir W.
Butler, happily portrays the peaceful end of a gallant soldier :

" The full light of the summer morning was streaming into
the room, lighting up the shields, swords, and standards of
Eastern fight which hung upon the walls ; the old colours of
the 22nd, rent and torn by shot, moved gently in tlie air ; and

APPENDIX 313

fresli with the perfume of the ripened summer, wife, children,
brothers, servants, and two veteran soldiei*s who had stood
behind him in battle, watclied— some praying, some weeping,
some immovable and fixed in their sorrow— the final dissolution;
and just as the heroic spirit passed to Him who had sent it upon
eailh, filled with so many aspirations and generous sympathies,
a brave man who stood near caught the flags of the 22nd
Regiment from their resting-place, aiid waved those shattered
emblems of battle above the dying soldier."

He was buried at Portsmouth on the 8th of September,
60,000 people attending his funeral (Sir W. Butler), and a
monument in Trafalgar Square, principally erected by sub-
scriptions from private soldiers, fitly commemorates the career
of one who is reported to have said, " My pride and happiness
through life has been that the soldiers loved me." (Sir W.
Butler.)

APPENDIX II.

SIR HUDSON LOWE.

From " Napolkon at St. Helena and Sir H. Lowe,'*
BY W. Forsyth, M.A.

Sir Hudson Lowe belonj^ed to a Lincolnshire family, but was
born in Galway on the 28th July, 1769.

Shortly after his birth his father's regimeut, the 50tb, was
ordered to the West Indies, and he was taken out witli it.

On his return to England, before ho attained his twelfth year,
and while still at school, he was appointed to an ensigncy in the
Enst Devon Militia.

In the autumn of 1787 he obtained a king's commission as an
ensign in the 50th Regiment, which was then stationed at
Gibraltar.

At this time writes Sir Hudson Lowe : —

^^ The fortress was still in a most ruinous state from the effects
of the siege. The whole rock was literally covered with frag-
ments of broken shells and shot, and there was not a house in
the town nor a building within the batteries^ which did not bear
the marks of its devastation.^'

After having been more than four years on garrison duty,
during which, he says, every third or fourth night was passed
on guard, with no other appliance for repose between the relief
of sentries than a blanket on boards and a pillow, generally
resting on a stone. Lieutenant Lowe obtained leave of absence
and travelled in Finance and Italy, whereby he obtained a know-
ledge of the language of these countries.

On his return to Gibraltar the war had broken out afresh,

APPENDIX. 315

and he proceeded with his regiment to Corsica, where he was
actively engaged, until the 50th was ordered to garrison
Ajaccio.

The future goremor of St. Helena was thus quartered in the
same town as the Buonaparte family.

Sir H, Lowe says, ^* We were all delighted with our change
of quarters to Ajaocio. The town was well laid out, spacious,
well built, and the citadel had excellent accommodation, though
not sufficient for all the officers."

One of the best houses in the town was occupied by the
mother and sisters of Buonaparte.

An officer of the 50th Regiment of the name of Ford, was for
a short time quartered in their house, and spoke with much
satisfaction of the kind manner in which the family acted
towards him, the young girls, for such they were at the time,
running slipshod about the house.

On the evacuation of Corsica, Lieutenant Lowe accompanied
his regiment to Elba.

He obtained his company in 1795, and soon afterwards was
appointed deputy judge-advocate.

When the 50th proceeded to Spain he was quartered for
nearly two years at Fort St. JuHen in Portugal. He was
then ordered to Minorca, and was instrumental in raising the
Corsican Bangers, to the command of which he was afterwards
appointed with the temporary rank of major.

The Corsican Bangers under Major Lowe landed at Aboukir
on the 8th March, on the right of the Guards. He was present
with them at the battle of Alexandria, received the first pro-
posals for the surrender of Cairo, commanded the rearguard of
the escort to the French army on its march to Bosetta, and
was present at the advance against and surrender of Alexandria.

At the peace of Amiens the Corsican Bangers were disbanded,
and Major Lowe was placed on half-pay, from whence he was
appointed to the 7th Boyal Fusiliers. He was secretary of a
Board at Malta from 1801 to 1802. He was next appointed on

316 HISTORY OF THE 50rH (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

a secret mission to Portugal, to ascertain the military condition
and resources of that country.

In September, 1803, he again proceeded to the Mediter-
ranean to raise another corps of Corsican Rangers, of which he
was appointed lieutenant-colonel on the 31st December, 1803.
In this capacity he was employed in Sir John Craig's
expedition.

He was afterwards placed with his corps in command of the
island of Capri, from which place he was driven out by General
Lamarque in October, 1807, after Murat had taken possession
of his kingdom.

Colonel Lowe and the Corsican Bangers were then appointed
to take part in an expedition against tlie Ionian Islands, and he
was afterwards appointed governor of Cephalonia and Ithaca.
He returned to England in 1813. Tlie following year he was
employed on missions to Sweden and Russia. He was afterwards
attached to the allied Russian and Prussian army, under the
command of Blucher until November, 1813.

Towards the close of that year ho was ordered to Holland to
organise Dutcth levies, from whence he again joined Marshal
Blucher on the 24th January, 1814, under whom he was
present at thirteen actions, eleven being against Napoleon in
person.

Colonel Lowe brought the news of Napoleon's abdication to
England on the 9th April.

He obtained his brevet of major-general on the 4th June ;
and was appointed Quartermaster- General to the British troops
in the Low Countries under the Prince of Orange.

He remained at this post in Belgium till the beginning of
June, 1815. Assumed the command of the troops at Genoa on
the 19th of that month. On the 2nd July Lord Exmouth's
squadron appeared off that port. Sir Hudson Lowe sailed in
tlie " Boyne" and landed at Toulon with his staff on the lltli
July.

On the 1st August he received the information that he was to

APPENDIX. 317

be entrusted with the custody of Napoleon Buonaparte on the
island of Saint Helena, of which place he was appointed
governor. The brevet rank of lieutenant-general and the
command of the troops was given him, and his salary was fixed
at £12,000 per annum.

I am indebted to ^"Napoleon at St. Helena and Sir H. Lowe,"
by W. Forsyth, M.A., published by John Murray, for most of
the information in the above article.

APPENDIX III.

Early in December, 1848, GtenernI Viscount Hardinge, G.CB.,
presented a splendid cup to the 50th (Queen's Own) Regi-
ment, the gift of Prince Waldemar of Prussia, who was
attached to the regiment through the greater part of the Sutlej
campaign.

The cup was presented at a mess dinner at Dover Castle, and
is thus described by the Dover Telegraph of tliat date.

The cup is of elegant form, about 24 inches in height, and
weighs about 150 ounces. The foot, of silver gilt, is formed of
the trunk of the palm tree, and upon a cluster of palm leaves,
surrounding its upper part, is embedded the vase: this is of
frosted silver, and upon its surface, exquisitely chased in basso
relievo y are two scenes — the one of the battle of Sobraon, at the
instant the 50th Regiment had charged the works, and succeeded
in placing tlie regimental colours on their summit, and at the
same instant that Sergeant-Major Cantwell, who bravely bore
them, was shot, and fell in the arms of victory. The works also
display the Sikh banner, which was afterwards captured, and
adorned the room.

The second incident or scene is taken at the instant when,
at the battle of Ferozeshah, the Sikh forces were yielding, and
Doctor Hoffmeister, the medical attendant of Prince Waldemar,
fell.

The cover is of burnished silver, and reposing upon the lid
are the sleeping lions of the Punjaub, the whole being surmounted

APPENDIX.

310

» R twmcm ITAIMBUB to t

:m HISTORY OF THE 50th (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

by a complete set of chieftains' chain armour,* modelled from
that belonging to a captured Sirdar. The shield, the lance, the
surcoaty and helmet, are all executed ivith tlie most exquisite
correctness and delicacy. Round the margin of the vase is
engraved ; " This goblet is presented by His Royal Highness
Prince Waldemar of Prussia, as a token of remembrance of the
happy days spent amongst the officera of the 50th Regiment at
Loodiana, and the following glorious campaign of the Sutlej."

After the usual loyal toasts had been honoured, Lord Hardinge
presented the cup in the following terms, including a letter from
the Prince. The reply of Lieutenant- Colonel Petit, command-
ing the regiment, and the further remarks of Lord Hardinge are
also given, and will be read with deep interest.

Lord Hardinge rose and said: "Colonel Petit, having thus
paid the honours which an assembly of Englishmen invariably
with enthusiasm accord to Her Majesty the Queen and the rest
of the Royal Family, it is now my pleasing task to present to
Her Majesty's 50th Regiment of Foot the splendid cup before
me. We all know tlie Prince, Prince Waldemar of Prussia,
very well ; in addition to being identified with us as a companion
and a friend, the associate of our festive hours, he was associated
with us in the glorious conflicts of Moodkee^ Forozeshah, and
Sobraon, and we were all witnesses of his distinguished bravery.
When the Prussian doctor, Hoffmeister, his medical attendant,
fell, he alighted from his horse and supported his body, pressed
his hand, amidst a fierce fire, and, upon finding life extinct, ho
returned to the conflict. In fact, our acquaintance with this
noble personage, only elicits his resemblanse in bravery, and
generous feeling to his great ancestor, Frederic the Great. I
will take the liberty of reading the letter which has accx)mpanied

• Very little of this chain armour now exists, the delicate and
exquisite workmanship having worn away in the coarse of time.
The desenption of the incidents depicted on the cup is very in-
teresting, especially the fact of their being from drawings by the
Prince.

APPENDIX. 321

the cup, in order that you may have the satisfaction of knowing
his Boyal Highness's sentiments on the subject : —

" My Lord, as you are a soldier, you must know that the tie of
friendship between fellow soldiers will last for ever. I shall keep,
therefore, always the warmest interest to one of the regiments of
the Sutlej army in particular, in considering myself as a kind of
fellow soldier of the officers of Her Majesty's 50th Foot. It is
impossible to forget the happy days which I have spent among
those officers at Loodiana, who obliged me greatly by the kindness
and hospitality they bestowed upon me. I consider the most
obliging of all their attentions, that they had elected myself and
the gentlemen of my suite to be honorary members of their mess.

" So your Lordship will understand, that after having re-
ceived so many proofs of kindness from the officers of Her
Majesty's 50th, I am anxious to express to them my thankful
feelings and highest esteem, as this regiment must be regarded as
one of the bravest which fought on the Sutlej.

" I beg, therefore, your Lordship to deliver the accompanying
goblet, which I have ordered purposely to be decorated with some
sceneries of the different battles after my own drawing^, to the
officers of Her Majesty's 50th. I believe it will be most gratify-
ing to them, who deserve such a distinction, and give still a
greater value to the goblet if it is presented under these circum-
stances."

Lord Hardinge then said : " The gallant 50th have truly earned
this compliment. I can confidently testify that in the presence of
the most formidable field works at Sobraon, which it was ever my
lot to have witnessed, the army had received a check, the other
regiments in action heard a cheer, and then the gallant 50th made
their appearance, with shouts of ' Make way for Her Majesty's
50th I ^ and then, assisted by the brave 31st, carried the works
and annihilated the army of the Sikhs. With this and many
other facts in my remembrance, I can truly say that I entirely
agree with his Royal Highness, As if nothing should be want*
ing to add value to the gift, his Royal Highness has decorated

322 HISTORY OF THE SOth (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

tlie cup with scenes of your conflicts, from drawings of his own
execution. Thus I have endeavoured to execute the trust im-
posed upon me ; and now, Sir, I propose that we shall first fill
the cup with generous wine, and that then we shall drink the
health of that excellent, generous, and brave Prince, Prince
Waldemar of Prussia." (Great cheering.) The cup having
been filled and passed round the table.

Colonel Petit rose and said : '* Lord Hardinge having pro-
posed and drank his Royal Highness Prince Waldemar's health,
I propose that we receive it with all the honours.'*

Mr. Latham : " I beg leave on the part of Prince Waldemar
to return thanks for the distinguished honour which you have
paid him. The Prussian Consul-General, Mr. Hobler, whom I
represent, would have afforded himself the high gratification of
being present, had not serious indisposition prevented. Com-
memorative as this cup is of the glorious events of the Indian
campaign, and associated as it is with the noble Lord, your
illustrious guest, I have full confidence that these glorious events
will be kept in honourable remembrance by tlie brave and gallant
50th."

Lieutenant-Colonel Petit then rose and addressed Lord
Hardinge on the part of the officers of the 50th Regiment, and
said : *' The officers of the 50th accept with pride and affec-
tion this ti'ibute, and we beg that your Lordship will convey to
his Royal Highness this inadequate expression of our feelings.
We accept it, and we will most conscientiously preserve it with
sentiments of affection, because, when we look upon this token,
we shall be reminded of one who joined the British Army,
emulous of the character of the British soldier in. the field, and
who was alike distinguished for his personal bravery as for his
courtesy and gentlemanly demeanour. We shall look upon this
cup with pride, as having received it from the hands of our
illustrious guest, the late Governor-General of India, and it will
serve as a beacon to lead us on to future glory, should our
country command our services. We shall also look upon this

APPENDIX. 323

cup to remind us of the dangers which we have mutually en-
countered in the field, and it will serve to draw together the
bonds of brotherhood, which have existed between the British
and the Prussian soldier ; neither shall we forget that the tear
of sympathy is due to the brave — we shall not forget that Dr.
Hoffmeister administered assistance to the wounded of our regi-
ment, after the battle of Moodkee. Gentlemen, I call upon you
to fill a bumper. Officers of the 50th, I am sure you anticipate
the toast I am about to propose to you, which is that of the
veteran and noble Lord with whose presence we are honoured
this evening, and one of England's most distinguished generals,
whose deeds of conquest in India are now matters of glorious
and immortal history. Gentlemen, the 50th Regiment have an
especial interest in the high reputation of Lord Hardinge. You,
officers of the 50th, have witnessed his conduct in the field ;
and the British nation has been proud to acknowledge his dis-
tinguished merit, in bringing to a speedy termination the glorious
campaign. We toast the health of our Governor- General, Lord
Hardinge, our leader in the field, and now our distinguished
guest."

Band — " See the conquering hero comes."

After the enthusiastic cheering elicited by this toast had
subsided.

Lord Hardinge rose and said, " Officers of the 50th, I am
truly gratefiil to you all for the manner in which you have re-
ceived the mention of my name by your gallant Chairman, as
well as the manner in which you have drunk my health. I can
only say that for this, as well as for your conduct in the field j I
owe you a debt of gratitude. The Army of the Sutlej nobly
did its duty, and the native portion as nobly emulated your
distinguished conduct." He then concisely narrated the services
of the 50th Regiment in the Peninsula under their gallant com-
manders up to the melancholy battle of Corunna, and his asso-
ciation with them. He recollected, as he passed along the lines
with Sir Charles Napier, that he pointed out the gallant 50th to

324 HISTORY OF THE 50rH (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

that gallant officer,* who, overpowered by his feelings, could
scarcely articulate his sense of their bravery and the affection he
felt for them. " 1 remember also," said he, " that this gallant
regiment paid me the last honours which I received in India ;
thus, not only from my sense of meritorious services, but from
affection, I feel identified witli tlie 50th Regiment. To you,
truly, I can apply a similar motto to that which decorates one of
our household troops, second to none in the British Army. I
beg to propose Sir Harry Smith, who commanded you."

The health of Sir Harry Smith having been drunk with
cheers, Lord Hardinge then proposed, " Lord Gough and tlie
Indian Army." He then described tlie additional strength of
the Indian Army as compared with the time when it was first
placed under his (Lord Hardinge's) command. Then it was
only 44,000, whereas he left it with 54,000 men, in a high
state of discipline, 120 pieces of artillery, eighty of which were
siege guns ; and he felt confident that when his gallant friend,
who had won more victories in China and Lidia than any com-
mander, advanced to Moultan, as traitors and insurgents are
never very brave, we shall bo able to peruse with delight the
glorious results. If any regret exists at present in his mind, it
is the absence of the gallant 50th. " I therefore propose to you
to drink Lord Gough and the Indian Army."

* A correspondent writing to the author on this subject says,
as Sir Charles saw the 60th Regiment at Lahore reduced to about
150 men, it positively brought tears into his eyes.

APPENDIX IV.

PRISONERS OF WAR TN RUSSIA* .

On the 22nd December, 1854, two officers, Captain Frampton
and myself, witli about 70 men, formed the guard of an un-
finished parallel of attack against the wonderfully perfect defence
of our foes. All the early part of the night an awful fire of
round shot, shell, and grape had been hurtling over our heads,
as we sheltered as best we could. A few men were on sentry
in front, and a sergeant's party were stationed some way down
the ravine which separated the left from the right attack.

About 2 a.m. my attention was particularly drawn to what I
thought, from the sound of musketry and vivid flashes of fire,
was a sortie in force upon the right attack, and Frampton and
self thought it best to get the men to stand to their arms, and be
prepared in case a similar attack should be made on our part of
the position. The men, at least many of tliem, had been lying
asleep until now.

I passed along the rear of the line and was getting the party
on the alert. When this was nearly done the outlying sentries
fired, and immediately afterwards came tumbling in over the
parapet, and almost as they did so a dark line of men was
dimly seen in the darkness, advancing over the crest of the
rising ground, along which the trench was traced. Fire was
opened on them and a momentary halt ensued, but when
engaged in front a mass of the enemy appeared on our right
rear, and between these and those in front we were doubled up.
Many men were killed and disabled. Frampton and myself,
after a hand-to-hand fight, were knocked down and taken
prisoners, and borne off by parties of the enemy.

* By Lieutenant-Colonel M. A. Clarke, 60th Beglnient.

320 HISTORY OF THE SOth (QUEEN^S OWN) REGIMENT.

The remainder of that night was spent in a small house^ used
apparently as an officers* guard-room, within the Russian lines.
In the mel^e I had got rather badly hurt, as well as much
bruised, by the butt ends of firelocks. One ball went through
my forage cap, another grazed my temple, and a third found a
billet in my head, and though at the time I hardly felt it, I was
laid up in hospital for some months, and it was not extracted
until about five years afterwards, when again on foreign 8er\'ice
in Ceylon.

Tlie day after our cai)ture we were taken before a Russian
general, Osten-Sachcn, and one or two other superior officers,
and then conducted across tlie harbour to a fort on the nortli
side called Severnaia, and lodged in the quarters of a Captain
Kotzebue, a naval officer, who was most kind to us. He, I
think, commanded in that fort. There we remained for ten
days, and were then sent inland, passing through Baktchiserai,
a town on the road to Simpheropol, which was our immediate
destination. Baktchiserai was the Tartar capital of the Cher-
sonese, before it was brought under the dominion of the Tsar.
The military commander lived in the palace of the ancient
Khans or rulers of the country. The palace was a handsome
building. Two days' travel took us to Simpheropol, which is
about seventy versts from Sevastopol.

Wo travelled in a springless covered cart, and as the roads
were merely tracks across country, the jolting was very great,
and by the time we reached Simpheroix)l my wound was much
inflamed, and giving me great pain. We arrived long after
dark, were taken to the residence of the Governor, who had
apparently an evening party, and tlien to the hospital for
officers, where those English officers who had the misfortune
to be captured were accommodated in a ward to themselves.

There were in all five of us and an Italian officer. Captain
L'Andriani, of the cavalry, who was desperately wounded in
the thigh when charging with the English cavalry at Balaclava.
We met with much kindness and civility from both military

APPENDIX. 327

men and civilians, especially from a Russian, a professor in
tlie Academy, and his English wife.

Most of the English officers had been wounded, but all were
able to proceed into the interior long before I was, to a Govern-
ment town, Baizan.

Each nationality had a different town assigned. The English,
Eaizan, the French, Kalouga, and the Turks, Tambov. Non-
commissioned officers and men had other places assigned, but I
think in all some three hundred of all ranks would have covered
the number of our prisoners, and some of these were seamen of
transports that had been wrecked in the terrible gales, that
occasionally swept the Black Sea.

Several American medical men were doing duty with the
Russian troops. They had entered the service temporarily to
study gun-shot wounds One of these I succeeded in getting
to attend me, and much preferred to the little German Jew,
who was my previous doctor.

A Russian Jew, a soldier, was told off as our servant, and
a sentry was usually posted at night in a small room outside
the ward, and through which the entrance was. This sentry
usually slept, but ignorant as we were of the language, and
with thousands of men between us and our own people, escape
was hopeless.

English officers were at first allowed to walk about and pay
visits. Tiiis permission was afterwards withdrawn, but I never
learned the real reason for it.

Two of the Grand Dukes, sons of the Emperor, passed through
the town and visited the hospital. Gortcliakoff did so also
He was on his way to take over the command from Menchikoff.

I heard the booming of the guns distinctly at tlie attack on
Eupatoria, and saw some of the wounded arrive, as also a
funeral or two the result of the action.

On the 1st April, 1855, 2 French officers, 85 soldiers,
prisoners of war, English, French, and Turks, left under an
escort of infantry for the interior of Russia. For the officers

328 HISTORY OF THE SOth (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

country carts were provided if wc preferred riding in them to
walking, but as the men marched we could only go at a foot-
pace. We usually made sixteen or seventeen versts a day,
halting every second or third day, but the length of the march
was ruled by the distance from village to village. We were
always quartered for lodging in tlie peasants' houses, and if
there was not room they had to turn out for us. We instituted
a sort of mess, and got one of the French soldiers to cook ; the
first one turned out a great scamp and had to be changed.

One of the French officers, Monsieur Veroudart, acted as
caterer, he drawing all our government allowance of money,
and dividing it occasionally if there was any surplus. The
food was usually good, poultry, eggs, and milk, plentiful and
modei*ate in price. A goose cost sixpence.

We gradually made our way northwards, passing by Perikop
and Alexandrief. Near the latter a Madame Kankrini treated
us very hospitably. We passed the night at her house, and she
sent us on to our destination for the following day in one of her
carriages.

We reached Ekaterinoslav on the 3rd May, where we
were first conducted to the prison, where a small filthy room
was assigned to us, with one small bed, a table, and nothing
else, for three of us.

Late at night permission to go to an hotel arrived, kept
by a Swiss named Meurice, and by him wo were most kindly
received.

Nothing could exceed the attention of him and his wife, and
we lived at his table. We made many acquaint^mces, receiving
uniform civility from all.

Two other English officers passed through whilst I was here,
taken subsequently to Myselfi, but they were travelling post.

Late on tlie afternoon of the 7th we again started, and in
sixteen days reached the next Government town, Khai-kolF.
The order of our marches was much the same as before, the
escort only being changed.

APPENDIX. 329

Wo passed the towns of Novo Moskofski, Constantinograd,
and Voltei, and on our arrival at Kharkoff, the usual delay took
place before the authoritJes seemed to know what to do, and as
this delay always took place in the main street, the populace
were given an am])le opportunity of gratifying their curiosity.
We were at last conducted to an hotel, the St. Petei'sbui'g, and
remained a week tliere. Professor Braillard and his wife were
most kind, and I lived almost daily with them.

Here we parted company with the soldiers, and the French
officers and I were forwarded the remainder of the way to our
respective destinations, by telegas with post horses. These were
springless carts, generally driven at the utmost speed of the
horses, of which tliere always two, and sometimes three or
more, attached to each vehicle.

The centre horse is in the shafts, the others capering on either
side and always driven abreast ; a bell is suspended to a half-
hoop over the shaft horse. So long as the chaussee continues, the
fatigue and jolting is bearable, but when going across country, I
have found the pain sometimes almost insupportable.

A bundle of straw is the usual seat, but the better class of
Russians when travelling in this manner generally provide
themselves with pillows. The bottom of the carriage is made in
a half arch, and when two people sit alongside of each oUier it
is the acme of discomfort. The satisfaction of much more rapid
travel reconciled one to the much greater discomfort, and in
that vast empire the highest dignitaries were often compelled to
travel in this manner, no other being available. In two days we
reached Koursk, 200 versts. The day following our arrival we
went to the orderly-room of the garrison battalion, called before
the colonel in command, we were taken by him into his drawing-
room, and in the course of conversation he made use of very strong
language, insulting in the extreme towards the Emperor of the
French. The French officers immediately rose, saying they
could not possibly sit there, to hear the head of their State
abused in such a manner. We got away with difficulty, but

330 HISTORY OF THE 60th (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

had not gone far on the way to our hotel , when an orderly over-
took us with an order to go back, which we were compelled to
obey. We were then ushered into the presence of the colonel
again, who broke into a violent tirade of abuse, and Monsieur
Des-Ecot getting rather excited and gesticulating, the colonel
chose to consider that he was threatening him, and called in
some private soldiers who were flattening their noses against
the glass panels of the doors, and watching from the outside
what was going on. He made some species of inquiry from
them if they saw him threatened, which of course they said
they had, upon which he ordered Des-Ecot to be taken away,
and locked up in a cell. Veroudart, the other French officer,
and myself were conwgned to the guard-room. In the cell
where Dcs-Ecot was placed there were also some Russian
soldiers. After about u couple of hours' detention, we were
ordered to dine with him, and had to sit down to table or return
to the guard-room. Shortly afterwards he sent for Des-Ecot,
and told him to sit and eat his dinner, which he flatly refused to
do. Eventually some sort of compromise was effected. The
colonel was very drunk at dinner, and must ha7o been so all
day judging from his conduct. His family seemed rather nice
people, and very sorry for the way he behaved. When we left
after dinner we saw no more of our drunken friend.

I then continued my journey, passing through Orel, Kalouga
(where I bade adieu to the Frenchmen), Tula (celebrated for
large iron foundries), and reached Baizan, aft»r seventy-three
days' journeying from Simpheropol. Kaizan was the Govern-
ment town allotted to the English officers. The governor was
very civil, and had places laid at his table daily, at which any
of us that liked to go were welcome, and placed no restraint
upon our moving freely amongst friends in the neighbourhood.
The only stipulation he made was, if going to a greater distance
than twenty versts from the city, that notice should be left at
his office. Haizan was a well-built^ pleasant place, with many
pleasant families, amongst whom we visited freely.

APPENDIX. 331

Rumours were current, after I had been a month or so here,
that an exchange of prisoners was to be effected, and orders
came from St. Petersburg that several of the officers were to
proceed to Moscow, to see the ancient capital of Muscovy, and
thence to Odessa for exchange. Moscow was about eighty
miles from Baizan. I think the Imperial Government defrayed
the expenses of five of us there, and the two others were told
if they liked to pay their own they also might go. Chad wick,
of the 17th Lancers, and myself were tlie two juniors, and con-
sequently were left to pay our own way ; but as neither of us
could, money not being very abundant, I lost the opportunity of
seeing that most interesting city.

Two or three days after the party for Moscow left ; Chadwick
and I also left on our long journey of 1,500 versts to Odessa,
travelling post, and never staying more than a night on the way.
A subordinate Government official, called a Chenovnik, was
sent with us to make the necessary arrangements for horses, &c.
We left on the evening of the 15th August, passing through
Tula, Orel, Koursk, to Kharkoff, 712 versts, which we reached
on the 22nd. Omitting Kalouga, a large portion of the way
was by the same route I had previously travelled up country.

The Chenovnik who had accompanied us thus far was a very
good fellow, who had his own carriage, called in Enssian a
"tarantass," much more comfortable than the telega. The
body of the carriage is placed on two long poles, is consequently
springy, and is provided with a hood.

At Kharkoff, which we reached late in the afternoon, we
found the Moscow party at dinner, and they left in advance
next day.

From Kharkoff our route lay through Pultava, where
Charles XXL of Sweden suffered defeat, and the distinct trace
of northern blood shows that many of his soldiers must have
remained there, and intermarried with the Eussians.

We continued our journey, reaching Odessa on the 1st
September, got on board an English gunboat, which took us

332 HISTORY OF THE 50rH (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

from that portion of tho Tsar's dominions, and after sundiy
transhipments we came back to the Crimea, where I served
with my regiment until the final evacuation.
English officers prisoners at different times :

Colonel Kelly, 34th Regiment \

Lieutenant Byron, „ | Taken

Captain Frampton, 50lh Regiment. I in Sorties.

Lieutenant Clarke, „ j

Lieutenant Duff, 23rd Regiment, Outpost, Inkermann.

Lieutenant Clowes, 8th Hussars, j

Lieutenant Chadwick, i7th Lancers, j

Captain Montague, Royal Engineers.

Lieutenant James, „

Dr. Easton, R.N. ) , , „

Warren, „ l^""^^'' ^* ^^"g^-
Two or three Commissariat officers, I forget the names, and
some merchantman officers from wrecks, were also taken.

APPENDIX V.

Thr following extract from a work, entitled ^' The Conduct of
Major-General Shirley in North America," puUished in 1758,
is from the pen of William Alexander, called Lord Stirling.

Lieutentant - Colonel Mercer, commanding at Oswego,*
having received repeated intelligence that the enemy had some
place or camp about thirty miles east of Oswego, and that on
August 6th there was a large encampment of French Indians
about twelve miles distant, despatched an express boat with a letter
to the commanding officer on the lake, telling him he intended
to send next day 400 men in whale boats to visit the enemy,
and desiring him to keep to eastward to cover the men in the
boats, but instead of complying the brigantine returned the
next day, and in endeavouring to enter the harbour was driven
by a gale on rocky ground, where she lay eighteen hours. Mon-
sieur Montcalm, the French general, having intelligence that the
brigantine was stranded, and the other two vessels returned
into the harbour, took tlie opportunity of ti'ansporting and
landing his artillery and troops in boats within a mile and a half
of Fort Ontario, which, as tlie French officers declared after
Oswego was taken, he could not have done had our vessels been
out to the eastward.

Their artillery consisted of 32 pieces of cannon, from 12 to
24 pounders, and several large brass mortars and hoziets, which
could not have been transported by land on account of the
swamps, drowned lands, and creeks on the way. Their forces

♦ Fort Oswego was garrisoned by the 50th Regiment. (See
plan in Chapter I.)

^ ^

334 HISTORY OF THE 50th (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

consisted of about 1,800 regular troops, 2,500 Canadians, and
500 Indians.

As disadvantageous accounts have been given of the
behaviour of the garrison of Oswego (which consisted of part of
H.M.'s late 50th and 51st Regiments and the New Jersey
Regiment of Irregulars) during the time of the siege, it is a
point of justice to those troops to set their behaviour in a true
light.

August 11th, 1756. — About noon the enemy began the attack
on Fort Ontario with the fire of their musketry, which was
returned with small arms and eight cannon from the fort, and
shells from tlie other side of the river. The garrison on the
west side of the river was this day employed in repairing the
battery on the south side of the old fort. That night the enemy
were employed in making their approaches to Fort Ontario (by
breaking ground and entrenching) and in bringing up their
cannon against it.

August 12th. — At daybreak this day a large number of battoes
were discovered on the lake on tlieir way to join the enemy's
camp.* Two sloops were sent out with orders to get between
the battoes and the camp, but before they came up the battoes
had secured themselves under the fire of the French camp,
whereupon the sloop returned. The garrison on the west side
this day was employed as tlie day before, and in the evening a
detachment was made of 100 men of the 50th and 126 of tho
New Jersey Regiments, under the command of Colonel
Schuyler, to take possession of the fort on the hill f to the south
of the old fort, and under the direction of the chief engineer
they were to put it in the best s(ate of defence they could, in
whicli work they were emploj ed all the following night.

August 1 3 fcli. — The enemy con tinned their approaches to Fort
Ontario, and notwithstanding the constant fire kept on them

* These battoes contained Montcalm's 2iid Division, bringing
artillery and stores.

t Fort Rascal. (See plan at p. 7.)

APPENDIX. 335

from the fort and the loss of their chief engineer,* killed in the
trenches, had a battery of cannon ready to open within sixty
yards of it. About 12 Colonel Mercer sent orders to evacuate the
fort, first destroying cannon, ammunition, and provisions, and
at about 3 p.m. the garrison, consisting of about 370 mcn,t
managed their retreat across the river without the loss of a man,
and were ordered to join Colonel Schuyler's force on the fort on
the hill, and employed all the following night in endeavouring
to compleat {sic) the work of that fort. The brigantine off the
rock and repaired, but unable to go out, the wind continued
to blow direct into the harbour.

This night and the night before the enemy made several
ineffectual attempts to surprise the advanced guard and sentries
on the west side of the river. On the eastern side of the river
the enemy were employed in bringing up cannon and raising a
battery against the old fort, J the garrison keeping a constant
fire of cannon and shells on them from thence and the works
about the fort. The cannon which most annoyed the enemy
were four pieces § which were reversed on the platform of an
earthwork that surrounded the old fort, which was entirely
enfiladed by the enemy's battery on the opposite shore. In this
situation, without the least cover, the train, assisted by 50 of
the 50tli Regiment, behaved remarkably well.

August 14th. — At daybreak the garrison renewed the fire of
their cannon on that part of the opposite shore, where they had
the evening before observed the enemy at work raising a
battery, and the enemy returned the fire from a battery of ten
12-pounders, and were preparing one of mortars and hoziets.
About 9 a.m. about 2,500 of the enemy passed over from east

• One account says shot by an Indian in mistake for an
Englishman.

t Belonging to the 51st Regiment.

X Fort Oswego.

§ Marked " a " in plan.

336 HISTORY OF THE 50rH (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT,

to west of the river in three colamns, in order to attack the
garrison on the west

On this Colonel Mercer, not knowing their number, ordered
Colonel Schuyler with 500 men to oppose them, which would
have been done, had not Colonel Mercer been Jwilled by a
cannon ball a few minutes after. About 10 a.m. the enemy's
battery of mortars was ready to play, all the garrison's plans of
defence either enfiladed, or mined, by the constant fire of the
enemy's cannon, 2,500 of their irregulars and Indians in their
rear ready to storm on that side, and 1,750 of their regulars ready
to land in their front, under the fire of the French cannon.

Colonel Littlehales,* who succeeded Colonel Mercer in the
command, called a council of war, who were, with the engineer,
unanimously of opinion that the works were no longer tenable,
and that it was by no means prudent to risk a storm with such
unequal numbers. f

On beating Uie chamade tlie fire ceased on both sides, but
the French improved this opportunity to bring up some cannon,

* This was probably the same Colonel Littlehales who was
second in command of the former 50th or 7th Marines, disbanded
at the peace of Aix la Chapelle.

t Another account says : *' The next morning the Canadians
and Indians ci^ossed the river Oswego by a ford three-quarters of
a mile above Fort Oswego. They were unopposed, as the movement
was not discovered, and shortly afterwards showing themselves
at the edge of the force yelling and firing, though too far to do
much execution, they served to discourage. Up to this time the
defenders, who probably only numbered about 1,000, had behaved
with spirit, but about the time the commander Colonel Mercer was
cut in two by a cannon shot, and the garrison, sick and disheai'tened,
discouraged by the howlings of the Indians and the screamy and
enti^atries of the women, of whom the fort contained about 100,
and knowing that the place was quite untenable, decided to sur-
render. This they did on the 14th, Montcalm promising that
they should receive * all the regard which the most courteous of
nations could show.' "

APPENDIX. 337

and to advance the main body of their troops within musket
shot of the garrison, and everything was prepared for a storm.
Hereupon two officers were sent to the French general to know
his terms. He replied :

'' The English were an enemy he esteemed, that none but a
brave nation would have thought of defending so weak a place
so long against such a strong train of artillery and superior
numbers, and that the garrison might expect whatever terms
were consistent with the service of His Most Christian
Majesty."

During the whole time of the siege the soldiers behaved witJi
a remarkable resolution and intrepidity against the enemy,
exerting themselves to the utmost in the defence of the place in
every part of duty, and it was with great reluctance that they
were persuaded by their officers to lay down their arms.

APPENDIX VI.

ARTICLES OP CAPITULATION OF CAIRO.

Translaiion.

Thb oommissianers above named having met and conferredy
after the exchange of their respective powers, have agreed upon
the following articles :

The French forces of every description, and the auxih'ary
troops, under tlie command of the general of division Belliard,
shall evacuate the city of Cairo, the citadel, tlie forts of Boulac,
Gizah, and all that part of Egypt which they now occupy.

The French and auxiliary troops shall retire by land to
Rosetta, proceeding by the left bank of the Nile, with their
arms, baggage, field artillery, and ammunition, to be there
embai*ked and conveyed to the French ports of the Mediter-
ranean, with their arms, artillery, baggage, and effects, at the
expense of the, allied powers. The embarkation of the said
French and auxiliary troops shall take place as soon as possible,
but at the latest within fifteen days from the date of the ratifi-
cation of the present convention. It is also agreed, that the
said troops shall be conveyed to the French ports above-
mentioned by the most direct and expeditious route.

From the date of the signature and ratification of the present
convention, hostilities shall cease on both sides. The fort

of , and the gate of the Pyramids, of the town of

Gizah, shall be delivered up to the allied army. The line of
advanced posts of the army, respectively, shall be fixed by
commissioners named for this purpose, and the most positive

APPENDIX. 339

orders shall be given that those shall not be encroached upon,
in order to avoid all disputes; and if any shall arise, they are
to be determined in an amicable manner.

Twelve days after the ratification of the present convention,
the ciiy of Cairo, the citadel, the forts, and the town of Boulac,
shall be evacuated by the French and auxiliary troops, who
will retire to Ibrahim Bey, the isle of Rhoda, and its dependen-
cies, the fort of Foucroy and Gizah, from whence they shall
depart as soon as possible, and at the latest in five days, to
proceed to the points of embarkation. The generals command-
ing the British and Ottoman armies consequently engage that
means shall be furnished, at their charge, for conveying the
French and auxiliary troops as soon as possible from Gizah.

The march and encampment of the French and auxiliary
troops shall be regulated by the generals of the respective
armies, or by the officers named by each party ; but it is clearly
understood that, according to this article, the days of march
and of encampment shall be fixed by the generals of the com-
bined armies, and consequently the said French and auxiliary
ti'oops shall be accompanied on their march by English and
Turkish commissaries, instructed to furnish the necessary pro-
visions during the continuance of their route.
. The baggage, ammunition, and other articles, transported by
water, shall be escorted by French detachments, and by armed
boats belonging to the allied powers.

The French and auxiliary troops shall be subsisted from the
period of their departure from Gizah to the time of their
embarkation, conformably to the regidations of the French
army: and from the day of their embarkation to that of
their landing in France, agreeably to tlie naval regulations
of England.

The military and naval commanders of the British and
Turkish forces shall provide vessels for conveying to the French
ports of the Mediterranean the French and auxiliary troops as
well as all French and otlier persons employed in the service of

340 HISTORY OF THE 50rH (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

the array. Everjrtliing relative to this point, as well as in
regard to subsistence, shall be regulated by commissaries named
for this purpose by the general of division Belliard, and by the
naval and military commanders in chief of the allied forces, as
soon as the present convention shall be ratified. These com-
missioners shall proceed to Rosetta or Aboukir, in order to
make every necessary preparation for the embarkation.

Tlie allied powers shall provide four vessels (or more if
possible), fitted for the conveyance of horses, water-casks, and
forage sufficient for the voyage.

The French and auxiliary troops will be provided by the
allied powers with a sufficient convoy for their safe return to
France. After the embarkation of the French troops, the
allied powers pledge themselves that to the period of their
arrival on the continent of the French Republic they shall not
be molested; and on his part, the general of the division
Belliard, and the troops under his command, engage tliat no
act of hostility shall be by them committed, during the said
period, against the fleet or territories of his Britannic Majesty,
of the Sublime Porte, or of their allies.

All the administrations, the members of the commission of
arts and sciences, and in short every person attached to the
French army, shall enjoy the same advantages as the military.
All the members of the said administration, and of the com-
mission of arts and sciences, shall also carry witli them not only
all the papers relative to their mission, but also their private
papers, as well as all other arUcIes which have reference
thereto.

All inhabitants of Egypt, of whatever nation they may be,
who wish to follow the French troops, shall be at liberty so to
do ; nor shall their families, after their departure, be molested,
or their goods confiscated.

No inhabitant of Egypt, of whatever religion, who may wish
to follow the French troops, shall suffer either in person or
property, on account of the connection he may have entered

APPENDIX. 341

into witli tlie French during their continuance in Egypt, pro-
vided he conforms to the laws of the country.

The sick who cannot bear removal shall be placed in an
hospital, and attended by French medical and other attendants,
until their recovery, when thoy shall be sent to France on tlio
same conditions as the troops. The commanders of the allied
armies engage to provide all the articles that may appear
really necessary for tliis hospital ; the advances to be made on
this account shall be repaid by the French government.

At the period when the towns and forts mentioned in the
present convention shall be delivered up, commissaries shall bo
named for receiving the ordnance, ammunition, magazines,
papers, archives, plans, and other public effects which the
French shall leave in possession of the allied powers.

A vessel shall be provided as soon as possible by the naval
commanders of the allied powers, in order to convey to Toulon
an officer and a commissioner^ charged with the conveyance of
the present convention to the French government.

Every difficulty or dispute that may arise respecting tlio
execution of the present convention shall be determined in an
amicable manner by commissioners named on each part.

Immediately after the ratification of the present convention,
all the English or Ottoman prisoners at Cairo shall be set at
liberty, and the commanders in chief of the allied powers shall,
in like manner, release the French prisoners in their respective
camps.

Officers of rank from the English army, from his Highness
the Supreme Vizier, and from liis Highness the Capitan Pacha,
shall be exchanged for a like number of French officers of
equal rank, to serve as hostages for the execution of the present
treaty. As soon as the French troops shall be landed in the
ports of France, the hostages shall be reciprocally released.

The present convention shall be carried and communicated
by a French officer to General Menou, at Alexandria, and he
shall be at liberty to accept of it for the French and auxiliary

342 HISTORY OF THE SOth (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

forces (both naval and military) which may be with him at the
above-mentioned place, provided his acceptance of it shall be
notified to the general commanding the English troops before
Alexandria within ten days from the date of the communication
being made.

The present convention shall be ratified by the commanders
in chief of the respective armies within twenty-four houi*s after
the signature thereof.

Signed in quadruplicate, at the place of conference between
the two armies, the 17th of June, 1801, or of the siege
of Saffar, 1216, or the 8th Messidor, 9th year of the
French Republic.

(Signed) J. Hope, Prigadier-General.
OsMAN Bey.
Isaac Bey.

DoNZELOT, General de Brigade.
Tarayre, Chef de Brigade.

Approved and ratified the present convention at Cairo, the
9th Messidor, ninth year of the French Republic.

(Signed) Belliard, General de Division.

APPENDIX VII.

ORDER FOR RAISING 50th AND 51st REGIMENTS
IN AMERICA.— GEORGE R.

Warrant for Appointing John Caloraft, Esq , Agent to
YE two Regiments of Foot to be raised in America
uxTiL OUR Agent or Agents shall be appointed by
Colonel William Shirley and Sir William Pepperell
respectively.

Whereas we have thought fit to order two regiments of foot to
be forthwith raised in America, under the command of Colonel
William Shirley and Colonel Sir William Popperell, for the service
and defence of our colonys (sic) there ; and it being absolutely
necessary for the good of our service that some proj>er person
should be appointed to receive the monies growing due from time
to thne for the pay of our said regiments, and to pay and answer
the demands and bills of the respective officers until an agent or
agents shall be appointed by the said Colonels William Shirley
and Sir William Pepperell respectively. And we, reposing
great trust and confidence in the integrity and honesty of John
Calcraft, Esq., have tliought fit hereby to nominate, authorise,
and appoint him to receive all monies from you for the purposes
aforesaid until an agent or agents shall be appointed. Our will
and pleasure, therefore, is that out of such monies that are or
shall come to your hands for the use of our land forces, you
pay unto the said John Calcrafl, Esq., all such sume (sic) or
sumes of mony as are or shall grow due from time to time for
the pay of our said two regiments, until an agent or agents shall
be appointed as aforesaid. And for so doing this, with the

344 HISTORY OF THE SOth (QUEENS OWN) REGIMENT.

acquittance or acquittances of the said John Calcraft from time
to time, shall be as well to you as to the auditors of our
imprests, and all others whom it may or shall concern, a suffi-
cient warrant and discharge.

Given at our Court at Kensington this 7 day of October,
1754, in the twenty-eighth year of our reign.

By His Majesty's command,

Mr. Pitt H. Fox.

Extract from a letter of 4th November, 1754, to Sir John
St. Clair, D.Q.M.G. of H.M. forces in America :—

" Lieutenant-Colonel Elh'son of Shirley's and Lieutenant-
Colonel Mercer of Pepperell's," Ac, " have orders to repair in
the speediest manner they can to Boston and New York, in
order to hasten the le^'y of those two regiments."

The following warrant was received by Lieutenant-Colonel
Ellison, 50th Regiment, in November : —

You are to proceed at once, in His Majesty's ship of Ware

to Virginia with your adjutant, and on arriving there are to

take the speediest method of going to Boston, in order to levy
the regiment of which William Shirley, Esq., Grovenior of New
England, is appointed colonel, and immediately on arriving
there you are to acquaint your said colonel and put into his
hands the names of the officers already appointed and the blank
commissions which His Majesty has been pleased to allow him
to fill up with such persons as he shall judge most proper for
H.M. sen ice in their respective ranks; you will likewise
put into his hands the letter which His Majesty's Secretary
of State shall have delivered to you in relation to the levy
money, provision masters, and carriages, &c., of the troops, and
you will endeavour to raise and discipline the said regiment in
the best and speediest manner you can, in conjunction with
your colonel.

You will correspond with Sir John St Clair's Department^

APPENDIX. 345

Quartermaster-General of the forces in North America until
the arrival of Sir John Braddock in Virginia, hy every oppor-
tunity that you can, acquainting him with your success in the
new levy and with what intelh'gence you may receive.

You will take care to make out weekly returns of the effec-
tive officers and men of your regiment, and not only enter them
in your regimental books (specifying dates of commissions and
enrolments), but transmit copies thereof to the General, in order
to his sending the same to this office.

You will use your best endeavours to keep up strict mili-
tary discipline in your corps, obliging your officers to keep the
men regular, cleanly, and in messes, as being absolutely neces-
sary for the good of the service.

Given at the War Office this 4th day of November, 1754.

By H.M. command,
P. 339 W. 0. Book. H. Fox.

ORDERS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FORMING THE
MEN OF SHIRLEY AND PEPPERELL'S REGI-
MENTS, NOW IN ENGLAND, INTO BODIES NOT
LESS THAN 100 MEN IN EACH.— GEORGE R.

Whereas the greatest part of our 50th Regiment of Foot,
commanded by Major-General William Shirley, and of our
5l8t Regiment of Foot, commanded by Major-General Sir
William Pepperell, was made prisoners of war by the French,
upon taking the Fort of Oswego in North America, and trans-
ported from thence to Quebec in Canada, from whence part of
our said regiment has been sent by the Governor of Canada to
England, in order to be exchanged for an equal number of
French officers and men, prisoners of war, and part of our said
regiments (sic) has been taken on board a French ship, in which
they were embarked for old France as prisoners of war, and a

346 HISTORY OF THE 5<)th (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

part of these regiments has arrived, and part is now prisoned in
France, and whereas we have already thought fit to send
our orders to Major-General the Earl of Loudoun, Command-
ing-in-Chief our forces in North America, to incorporate such
part of our non-commissioned officers and private men of our
said 50th and 51st Regiments as were not in Oswego when it
was taken by the French into our other regiments of foot now
in North America, and his Lordship was to acquaint the officers
that they were to go on half-pay, and his Lordship was also
directed to place them to other regiments as vacancies should
happen, at least such of them as should be thought fit for future
service, and whereas our further intention is, that the non-
commissioned officers and private men of our said 50th and 5 1st
Regiments, now in England, with a certain proportion of the
commissioned officers, be in like manner incorporated and
annexed to such regiments of foot as we may think proper to
send to North America. Our will and pleasure therefore is,
and we do hereby direct, that you do repair to Totnes, and
there, or in any other convenient place, assemble all such
officei*s and men of our said 50th and 5 1st Regiments as
are now in England, and make a review and take an exact
muster of them, and send a state thereof to our Secretary of
State at War for our information. Our further will and
pleasure is, that you form all tlie said non-commissioned
officers and private men of our said two regiments into bodies
of equal numbers (not less than 100 private men in each),
to each of which bodies you will appoint three lieutenants
and an ensign, according to the list which accompanies this
our warrant, and you will direct that these officers and men
so appointed and formed be quartered at Totnes, and places
adjacent, till such time as our future will and pleasure be
known ; and we do hereby direct that you sign discharges
for all such non-commissioned officers and men of our said 50th
and 51st Regiments as shall have a claim to the benefit of our
Royal Hospital near Chelsea, and give them passes to come to

APPENDIX. 347

London to be examined, and that you likewise direct that there
be given to each non-commissioned oflBcer and private man, so
recommended to Chelsea Hospital, one month's sabsistance to
carry him to London, where directions will be given for him
being subsisted till he or they can be admitted to the benefit of
the said hospital. Our further will and pleasure is, and we do
hereby direct, that as soon as you have formed the said bodies
or drafts you do acquaint the officers that we are pleased to
order the establishments for the said 50th and 51st Begiments
of foot shall cease from the 25th December, 1756, inclusive,
and that all the officers of our said two regiments shall be
entitled to and be placed on the British establishment of half-
pay, from and after the 25th December, 1756, notwithstanding
which we are graciously pleased to allow full pay to those
officers to the day of your declaring this our will and pleasure
as likewise a continuance of full pay to those officers who shall
be appointed to the bodies of drafts before mentioned until such
time as the said drafts shall be incorporated into other regiments.
And you are to transmit to our Secretary of State at War a
perfect return of the commissioned officers, non-commissioned
officers, and soldiers you shall have so drafted and formed into
bodies according to the above order, as also a list of the dis-
charged men and of the officers who are to be placed on the
half pay. Our further will and pleasure is, that as soon as the
rest of the officers and men of the before mentioned 50th and
5l8t Begiments, who are now prisoners in Franco, or in
Canada, shall be returned or exchanged, they shall respectively
be placed on the half-pay or be drafted into our other corps
in like manner as the officers and men before mentioned have
been.

Given at our Court at St. James this 25th day of January,
1757, in the 30th year of our reign.

By His Majesty's command,

Barrikgton,

348 HISTORY OF THE SOra (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

" London, 18th August, 1782.

'^ His Majesty having been pleased to order that the 50th
Regiment of Foot, which you command, should take the county
name of the 50th or West Kent Regiment, and be looked upon
lis attached to that division of the county, I am to acquaint you
that it is His ^fajesty's further pleasure, that you should in all
things conform to that idea, and endeavour by all means in
your power to cultivate and improve that connection, so as to
create U mutual attachment between the county and the regi-
ment, which may at all times be useful towards recruiting the
regiment.

** But as the completion of the several regiments^ now generally
so deficient in this crisis is of the most important national con-
cern, you will on this occasion use the uCmost possible exertions
for that purpose, by prescribing the greatest diligence to your
officers and recruiting parties, and by every suitable attention
to the gentlemen and considerable inhabitants ; and, as nothing
can so much conciliate them a» a polite behaviour towards
them, and an observance of the strictest discipline in all your
quarters, you will give the most positive orders on that head.
And you will immediately make such a disposition of your
recruiting parties as may best answer that end.

" I have, Ac.,
(Signed) " H. S. Conway.

" Major-Gen. Sir T. Spencer Wilbon, Bart.,

&c., &C.f &€.,
« Colonel of tlie 50th Regiment."

'' Horse Guards,

«25th September, 1827.
"Sir,

" I have the honour to acquaint you that His Majesty has
been graciously pleased to approve of the 50th Regiment being
hereafter called the 50th (or the Duke of Clarence's) Regiment,

APPENDIX. 349

in place of the West Kent, in commemoration of the distin-
guished honour lately conferred ui^on the regiment by His
Koyal Highness in person , having presented the regiment with
its colours.

" I have, &c.,
(Signed) *' John Macdonald, D.A.G.

" Officer commanding 50th Regiment,
'^ The Duke of Clarence's Regiment,
*' Portsmouth."

** Horse Guabbs,

«22nd January, 1831.
'' Sir,

" I have the honour to acquaint you, by direction of the
General Commanding-in-Chief, that His Majesty has been
pleased to command that the 50th Regiment shall be in future
styled tho 50th (or the Queen's Own) instead of the Duko of
Clarence's Regiment, and that the facings of the regiment be
accordingly changed from black to blue.

" I have tho honour to be, Sir,

" Your most obedient, humble Servant,

(Signed) " John Macdonald,

" A.-GeneraL
" To the Officer commanding the 50th (or
" the Queen's Own) Regiment,
** Templemore, Ireland."

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APPENDIX X.

CORSICA.

Desi'atch of Lieutenant-General Sir C. Stewart.

From London Oazette, September 2nd, 1794.

Calyi, August 10th, 1794.
Sir,

I have die satisfaction to inform you that the town of Calvi
surrendered to H.M. forces on the 10th inst after a siege of 51
days.

As I perfectly agreed with Lord Hood in opinion, that the
utmost despatch was necessary in order to enable the troops
selected for the siege of Calvi to begin their operations before
the commencement of tlic unhealthy season, ever}' effort was
used to forward the necessary preparations, and so effectual
were the exertions of the different departments, that in the
course of a few days the regiments embarked at Bastia, and
Captain Nelson, of H.M.S. "Agamemnon/' consented in
Lord Hood's absence to proceed to Agra, where a landing was
effected on tlie 19th June, and in the course of the same day
the army encamped in a strong position upon the Terra del
Capucine, a ridge of mountains three miles from the town of
Calvi.

From many of the outposts, and particularly from those the
friendly Corsicans were ordered to occupy, I could distinctly
discover that the town of Calvi was strong in point of situation,
well fortified, and amply supplied with heavy artillery. The
exterior defences, on which the enemy had bestowed consider-
able labour, consisted in the bomb-proof stone star fort Mozello,

APPENDIX. 377

mounting 10 pieces of ordnance, with a battery of 6 guns on
^ts right, flanked by a small entrenchment. In the rear of
this line (which covered the town on the westward), on a rocky
hill to the east, was placed a battery of 3 guns. Considerably
advanced on the plain to the south-west, the Fort Mollinochesco,
on a steep rook, commanded the communication between Calvi
and the province of Balagin, supported by two frigates moored in
the bay, for the purpose of raking the intermediate country.
But the principal difficulties in approaching the enemy did not
so much arise from the strength of the defences, as from the
height of the mountain and rugged, rocky surface of the
country it was necessary to penetrate ; and so considerable were
these objects against the usual mode of attack, that it was
judged expedient to adopt rapid and forward movements, instead
of regular approaches. In conformity to this plan of proceed-
ing, the seamen and soldiers were laboriously employed in
making roads, dragging guns to the top of the mountain, and
collecting military stores for the purpose of erecting two mortar,
and four separate gun batteries on the same night. One of
these was intended against the Mollinochesco, the second to be
constructed on the rocks to cover the principal one of 6 guns,
which, by a sudden march and the exertions of the whole army,
was to be erected within 750 yards of the Mozello.

From some mistake the battery against the Mollinochesco was
built and opened two days before the appointed time, and con-
siderably damaged that fort. Observing, however, that it was
the determination of the enemy to repair and not to evacuate
it, the Boyal Irish Regiment was ordered on the evening of
the 6th July to move towards their left, exposing the men to
the fire of their artillery. This diversion was seconded at sunset
and during the greater part of the night by a feigned attack of
the Corsicans, which so effectually deceived the enemy, that they
withdrew a considerable piquet from the spot where the prin-
cipal battery was to be constructed, in order to support the
Mollinochesco, and diverting the whole of their fire to that point.

378 HISTORY OF THE SOra (QUEEN'S OWN) REGIMENT.

enabled the troops to complete their work. This important
]x>sition estabh'shed, the enemy was compelled to evacuate the
MoUinochesco and to withdraw the shipping under the pro-
tection of the town. A very heavy fire immediately com-
menced on both sides and continued with little intermission
until the 18th of that month, when observing that tliese batteries
were considerably damaged, and a breach appearing practicable
on the west side of the Mozello^ a disposition was made for a
general attack upon the outworks, under cover of two batteries
ordered to be erected that night, which from their position
would in the event of a check appear the principal object of the
movement

From the zeal of Lieutenant-Colonel Wauchope and the great
exertions of the 50th Regiment^ the battery which he undertook
to construct within 300 yards of the Mozello, was completed an
hour before daybreak without discovery; a signal gun was
then fired from it for the troops to advance. Lieutenant
Newhouse^ of the Royal Artillery, with two field pieces, covered
the approach ; and the Grenadiers, Light Infantry, and the 2nd
Battalion of the Royals, under the command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Moore, of the 51st Regiment, and Major Brereton,
of the 30th Regiment, proceeded with a cool, steady confidence
and unloaded arms towards the enemy^ forced their way
through a smart fire of musketry, and regardless of live shells
flung into the breach or the additional defence of pikes, stormed
the Mozello ; while Lieutenant-Colonel Wemyss with the Royal
Irish Regiment, and two pieces of cannon under the direction
of Lieutenant Lemoine, Royal Artillery, equally regardless of
opposition, carried tlie enemy's battery on the left, and forced
their trenches without firing a shot.

The possession of these very important posts, which the troops
maintained under the heaviest fire of shell, shot, and grape^
induced me to offer to consider such terms as the gaiTison of
Calvi might be inclined to propose ; but receiving an unfavour-
able answer the navy and army once more united their efibrts,

APPENDIX. 379

and in nine days batteries of 13 guns, 4 mortars^ and 3
howitzers were completed within 600 yards of the town, and
opened with so well-directed a fire that the enemy were unable
to remain at tlieir guns, and in eighteen hours sent proposals
which terminated in a capitulation, and the expulsion of the
French from Corsica.

It is with sincere regret that I have to mention the loss of
Captain Sewcold, of the navy, who was killed by a cannon shot
when actively employed in the batteries. The assistance and
co-operation of Captain Nelson, the activity of Captain Hallo-
weU, and the exertion of the navy have contributed greatly to
the success of these movements. The spirit, zeal, and willing-
ness with which this army has undergone the greatest labour
and fatigue, in the most oppressive weather, is hardly to be
described ; and such has been the determined animation of
both officers and men, that the smallest murmur has never been
heard, unless illness deprived them from making their services
useful to their country.

I am indebted to Lieutenant-Colonel Moore for his assistance
on every occasion, and it is only a tribute to his worth to
mention that he has distinguished himself on this expedition
for his bravery, conduct, and military talent.

It is with the utmost confidence that I presume to recommend
to H.M. my A.D.C., Captain Duncan, of the Royal Artillery,
whose activity, zeal, and ability in his own and the engineers'
department, merit the highest commendation and advancement.

Captain Stephens, the officers, and men of the Royal Artillery
have distinguished themselves witli their usual ability in the
management of tlie batteries, and their attention to the different
branches of that line.

Sir James Erskine and Major Cakes have been essentially
useful in their different departments ; and peiinit mo to assure
you that a cordiality subsists throughout the army which
promises the most signal success on any future undertaking.

I have the happiness to inform you that Captains Macdonald

380 HISTORY OF THE SOra (QUEEN^S OWN) REGIMENT.

and Mackenzie and the other wounded ofSeer and soldiers are
in a fair way of recovery.

Captain Shand, an officer of great merit and my A.D.C.,
will have the honour of delivering this dispatch.

I have the honour to be, &c.,

C. STUART, Lieutenant-General.

Rt. Hon. Hekrt Dundas, ^

&e., &c., &c.

From same Gttzette. — Killed and wounded, 50th Regiment,
10th August, 1794 : 1 rank and file killed, 1 ditto wounded
(previous to attack of Fort Mozello). At attack of Fort Mozello
on morning of 18th July: 50th, 1 rank and file wounded.
From 19th July to 10th August, 50th, none.

FBfKTED BT NICHOLS AND SONS, S6, rAllLUXEKT 6TREBT, WBSTUINSTBR.

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